Eigenfunctions of the angular momentum operator

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the Eigenstate of the angular momentum operator and the function Y_{lm}(\theta,\phi) that satisfies the given equations. The standard solution for the simple case of m=l=0 is Y_{00}(\theta,\phi)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{4\pi}}, but another possible solution Y_{00}(\theta,\phi)=A\ln(\cot\theta+\csc\theta) is also discussed. However, this solution is not accepted as a possible wavefunction due to its singularity at the poles of the sphere.
  • #1
klpskp
9
0
Hi everyone,

I tried to find the Eigenstate of the angular momentum operator myself, more specifically I tried to find a Function [itex]Y_{lm}(\theta,\phi)[/itex] with

[tex]L_zY_{lm}=mħY_{lm}[/tex] and [tex]L^2Y_{lm}=l(l+1)ħ^2Y_{lm}[/tex]

where [tex]L_z=-iħ\frac{\partial}{\partial \phi}[/tex]
and [tex]L^2=-ħ^2(\frac{1}{\sin\theta}\frac{\partial}{\partial\theta}(\sin\theta\frac{\partial}{\partial\theta})+\frac{1}{\sin^2\theta}\frac{\partial^2}{\partial^2\phi})[/tex]

These representations can be found here.
Now let's look at the simple case of [itex]m=l=0[/itex]. The standard solution here is [itex]Y_{00}(\theta,\phi)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{4\pi}}[/itex]. However, it seems like the function [itex]Y_{00}(\theta,\phi)=A\ln(\cot\theta+\csc\theta)[/itex] is as well a solution to the differential equations above, since [itex]\frac{\partial Y}{\partial \phi}=0=mħY[/itex] and [itex]\frac{\partial Y}{\partial \theta}=-A\csc\theta[/itex] and therefore [tex]L^2Y=-ħ^2(\frac{1}{\sin\theta}\frac{\partial}{\partial\theta}(-A \sin\theta\csc\theta))=0=l(l+1)ħ^2Y[/tex]
Since [tex]\int_0^\pi YY^*\sin\theta d\theta[/tex] converges (you can look at the graph here) it is possible to find an [itex]A[/itex] that normalizes [itex]Y_{00}[/itex].

So where is the mistake? I did not find this solution anywhere.
Thank you for your help :)
 
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  • #2
That function is singular at the poles of the sphere ##\theta = 0,\pi##. To do QM, generally we require the wavefunction and at least the 1st derivative to exist everywhere (2nd is good too), so we would not admit this as a possible wavefunction.
 

1. What is the definition of an eigenfunction of the angular momentum operator?

An eigenfunction of the angular momentum operator is a mathematical function that, when acted upon by the operator, returns a scalar multiple of itself. In other words, the function is unchanged except for a scaling factor. This scalar multiple is known as the eigenvalue.

2. How does the eigenvalue of an eigenfunction of the angular momentum operator relate to the angular momentum of a system?

The eigenvalue of an eigenfunction of the angular momentum operator is directly proportional to the angular momentum of a system. This means that as the eigenvalue increases, so does the angular momentum of the system.

3. What is the significance of eigenfunctions of the angular momentum operator in quantum mechanics?

Eigenfunctions of the angular momentum operator are essential in quantum mechanics because they represent the possible states of a system with a definite angular momentum. They also help in the calculation of probabilities for different outcomes in quantum mechanical experiments.

4. How are the eigenfunctions of the angular momentum operator related to the shape and orientation of an object?

The eigenfunctions of the angular momentum operator correspond to specific shapes and orientations of an object. For example, the eigenfunctions for the z-component of angular momentum represent different orientations of an object along the z-axis.

5. Can the eigenfunctions of the angular momentum operator be used to describe systems with spin angular momentum?

Yes, the eigenfunctions of the angular momentum operator can be used to describe systems with spin angular momentum. The spin operator is a form of the angular momentum operator and has its own set of eigenfunctions that represent different spin states.

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