Magnetic field of a Spin-1/2-Particle

In summary, the conversation discusses the properties and behavior of two particles - a spin-1/2 particle with no charge and a charged, spin 0 particle - in the presence of a magnetic field. The magnetic moment of the first particle creates the magnetic field, and the second particle experiences a force in the y- and z-directions proportional to the components of the magnetic field. However, due to the uncertainty principle, it is not possible to measure the spin components of the first particle simultaneously. The conversation also raises the question of whether the approximation of treating the second particle classically is valid and how it may affect the probability of finding the second particle at a specific spot on a screen.
  • #1
klpskp
9
0
Suppose we have a Spin-1/2-Particle with no charge, like a Silver Atom, fixed at the origin. The magnetic dipole moment is [itex]\mathbf{\mu}=\gamma\mathbf{S}[/itex], where [itex]\gamma[/itex] ist the gyromagnetic ration and [itex]\mathbf{S}[/itex] is the spin angular momentum.
The magnetic moment creates the magnetic field:
[tex]\mathbf{B(r)}=\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}(\frac{3\mathbf{r}(\mathbf{\mu}\cdot\mathbf{r})}{r^5}-\frac{\mathbf{\mu}}{r^3})[/tex]
Further suppose we have a charged, spin 0 particle, like a Silver-Ion, at the position [itex]z\mathbf{\hat{k}}[/itex] with the velocity [itex]v\mathbf{\hat{i}}[/itex]. Also suppose that the particle is heavy enough to be treated like a classical object, The magnetic field at the position of the second particle in [itex]y[/itex] and [itex]z[/itex] direction is:
[tex]B_z=\frac{\mu_0\gamma}{4\pi z^3}(3S_z-S_z)=\frac{\mu_0\gamma}{2\pi z^3}S_z[/tex]
[tex]B_y=-\frac{\mu_0\gamma}{4\pi z^3}S_y[/tex]
Now the second particle will experience a force in the [itex]y[/itex]-Direction proportional to [itex]B_z[/itex] and a force in the [itex]z[/itex]-Direction proportional to [itex]B_y[/itex]. Now if we let this particle hit a screen we can measure the deflection in y- and in z-direction. From this, we can infer [itex]B_y[/itex]. and [itex]B_z[/itex] and therefore [itex]S_y[/itex] and [itex]S_z[/itex]. But the uncertainty principle does not allow for [itex]S_y[/itex] and [itex]S_z[/itex] to be measured simultaneously. So where is the mistake?

I'm not sure if the approximation to treat the second particle classically is valid, but it is the same approximation commonly used for calculations in the Stern-Gerlach Experiment. If it is not valid, could you please provide a qualitative description how the probability of finding the second particle on a specific spot on the screen depends on the spin of the first particle?

Thank you for your help :)
 
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  • #2
klpskp said:
[tex]B_y=-\frac{\mu_0\gamma}{4\pi z^3}S_y[/tex]
I guess you mean ##y^3##, not ##z^3##.

What you have is basically is a magnetic field along an axis ##\hat{n}## that is at a certain angle in the y-z plane. After the measurement, you will know ##S_n##, which will correspond to a superposition of state for both ##S_z## and ##S_y##.
 

1. What is a Spin-1/2 Particle?

A Spin-1/2 Particle is a type of elementary particle that has a spin quantum number of 1/2. This means that it has an intrinsic angular momentum and follows the rules of quantum mechanics.

2. What is a Magnetic Field?

A Magnetic Field is a force field that is created by moving electric charges or currents. It is a fundamental property of an electromagnetic field and is measured in units of tesla (T).

3. How is the Magnetic Field of a Spin-1/2 Particle defined?

The Magnetic Field of a Spin-1/2 Particle is defined as the force experienced by the particle due to its intrinsic magnetic moment. This magnetic moment is a measure of the strength and direction of the particle's spin.

4. How is the Magnetic Field of a Spin-1/2 Particle calculated?

The Magnetic Field of a Spin-1/2 Particle can be calculated using the equation B = μ0 * g * S, where B is the magnetic field, μ0 is the permeability of free space, g is the gyromagnetic ratio, and S is the spin angular momentum of the particle.

5. What are some real-life applications of the Magnetic Field of a Spin-1/2 Particle?

The Magnetic Field of a Spin-1/2 Particle has many applications in fields such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and quantum computing. It is also used in particle accelerators and in studying the behavior of matter in extreme conditions.

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