Spin-1/2 in a magnetic field

In summary, the problem deals with a spin-1/2 in a magnetic field and its time-evolution, with known initial conditions. The probability of measuring a certain spin component at a specific time is calculated using the time-evolution of the initial state and the eigenstates of the Hamiltonian. However, the given states in the problem are not the eigenstates of the Hamiltonian, which is an important factor to consider.
  • #1
Orbor
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0
Problem
A spin-1/2 is placed in a magnetic field with both x and z-components so that its
Hamiltonian is [itex]H=-b_x \sigma^x-b_z\sigma^z[/itex], where [itex]\sigma^x[/itex] and [itex]\sigma^z[/itex] are the Pauli matrices. The real constants [itex]b_x[/itex] and [itex]b_z[/itex] have units of energy, and account for both the magnetic field components and coupling constants between the spin and the magnetic field.

Consider that the spin-component along the z-axis of the spin-1/2 is known to be [itex]+\hbar /2[/itex] at [itex]t = 0[/itex].
What is the probability that the spin component along the z-axis at time [itex]t ≥ 0[/itex] will be measured to be [itex]-\hbar /2[/itex]?

Solution
Time-evolution of the initial state yields [itex]\vert \psi(t)\rangle=e^{-i \hat H t/ \hbar}\vert \uparrow_z \rangle[/itex], hence the probability of measuring [itex]-\hbar /2[/itex] is [itex]\vert \langle \downarrow_z \vert \psi(t) \rangle \vert ^2=0[/itex].

Is this correct or am I missing something important here?
 
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  • #2
Orbor said:
Solution
Time-evolution of the initial state yields [itex]\vert \psi(t)\rangle=e^{-i \hat H t/ \hbar}\vert \uparrow_z \rangle[/itex], hence the probability of measuring [itex]-\hbar /2[/itex] is [itex]\vert \langle \downarrow_z \vert \psi(t) \rangle \vert ^2=0[/itex].

Is this correct or am I missing something important here?
##\vert \uparrow_z \rangle## and ##\vert \downarrow_z \rangle## are not the eigenstates of the problem's Hamiltonian. You may probably want to know how ##\vert \uparrow_z \rangle## and ##\vert \downarrow_z \rangle## expand into the basis made of the eigenstates of the Hamiltonian.
 

What is spin-1/2 in a magnetic field?

Spin-1/2 refers to the intrinsic angular momentum of an elementary particle or system. In a magnetic field, this spin can interact with the field and cause the particle to experience a magnetic moment or spin alignment.

How is spin-1/2 related to quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, spin-1/2 particles can exist in two possible states, referred to as "spin up" or "spin down". This is a fundamental property of particles and plays a crucial role in our understanding of the microscopic world.

What is the significance of a magnetic field in relation to spin-1/2 particles?

A magnetic field can influence the behavior of spin-1/2 particles by causing them to align or precess in a certain direction. This allows scientists to manipulate and control the behavior of these particles, making them useful for various applications in technology and research.

Can spin-1/2 particles have a magnetic moment without a magnetic field?

Yes, spin-1/2 particles possess an intrinsic magnetic moment, even in the absence of a magnetic field. This is a result of their spin and is a fundamental property of these particles.

How does spin-1/2 in a magnetic field relate to spintronics?

Spintronics is a field of research that utilizes the spin of particles to store and process information. The behavior of spin-1/2 particles in a magnetic field is a key component of spintronics technology, as it allows for the manipulation and control of spin states for information storage and processing.

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