A composite system of three particles with different spin

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on constructing the basis of a composite system of three particles with different spins: spin 1, spin 1/2, and spin 5/2. The uncoupled basis is proposed as a starting point, where the basis states are defined by the spin orientations of the particles. The discussion emphasizes that the basis for the spin 5/2 particle envelops the basis for the spin 1/2 particle, and suggests utilizing 6-J symbols for a more efficient calculation of the basis states.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and particle spin
  • Familiarity with uncoupled basis states
  • Knowledge of 6-J symbols in quantum mechanics
  • Basic proficiency in state ket notation
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  • Research the construction of uncoupled basis states for composite quantum systems
  • Learn about the application of 6-J symbols in quantum mechanics
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Quantum physicists, researchers in particle physics, and students studying quantum mechanics who are interested in the mathematical formulation of composite systems with varying spins.

Demon117
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In general how does one find the basis of a composite system of particles with different spin. Say for example spin 1, spin 1/2, and spin 5/2.

My first thought was to consider the uncoupled basis wherein the particles with spin 1/2 and spin 5/2 have similar state kets. Would the basis for the particle of spin 5/2 "envelope" the basis of the particle with spin 1/2?
 
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For starters, the uncoupled basis would be

[itex]\left\{|\frac{1}{2},1,\frac{3}{2}\rangle ,|\frac{1}{2},1,\frac{1}{2}\rangle<br /> ,|\frac{1}{2},1,-\frac{1}{2}\rangle ,|\frac{1}{2},1,-\frac{3}{2}\rangle<br /> ,|\frac{1}{2},0,\frac{3}{2}\rangle ,|\frac{1}{2},0,\frac{1}{2}\rangle<br /> ,|\frac{1}{2},0,-\frac{1}{2}\rangle ,|\frac{1}{2},0,-\frac{3}{2}\rangle<br /> ,|\frac{1}{2},-1,\frac{3}{2}\rangle ,|\frac{1}{2},-1,\frac{1}{2}\rangle<br /> ,|\frac{1}{2},-1,-\frac{1}{2}\rangle ,|\frac{1}{2},-1,-\frac{3}{2}\rangle<br /> ,|-\frac{1}{2},1,\frac{3}{2}\rangle ,|-\frac{1}{2},1,\frac{1}{2}\rangle<br /> ,|-\frac{1}{2},1,-\frac{1}{2}\rangle ,|-\frac{1}{2},1,-\frac{3}{2}\rangle<br /> ,|-\frac{1}{2},0,\frac{3}{2}\rangle ,|-\frac{1}{2},0,\frac{1}{2}\rangle<br /> ,|-\frac{1}{2},0,-\frac{1}{2}\rangle ,|-\frac{1}{2},0,-\frac{3}{2}\rangle<br /> ,|-\frac{1}{2},-1,\frac{3}{2}\rangle ,|-\frac{1}{2},-1,\frac{1}{2}\rangle<br /> ,|-\frac{1}{2},-1,-\frac{1}{2}\rangle ,|-\frac{1}{2},-1,-\frac{3}{2}\rangle<br /> \right\}[/itex]

The notation may be a little strange for some of you but it basically incorporates the spin states of each particle and the direction of orientation; this is mean't to save time.
 
You can also use 6-J symbols and do it all in one shot. One painful shot, but one shot.
 

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