Undergrad Angular momentum and rotations

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The discussion focuses on the mathematical formulation of infinitesimal rotations in quantum mechanics, specifically regarding the operator R_ez(dα) and its relation to angular momentum. It is established that the operator takes the form R_ez(dα) = 1 - (i/ħ)dα J_z, where J_z is a Hermitian operator, due to the conservation of the group law for infinitesimal rotations. The unitarity condition of the operator leads to the conclusion that J_z must equal its adjoint, confirming its Hermitian nature. The conversation highlights that every operator defined by an infinitesimal parameter follows this structure, reinforcing the connection between angular momentum and rotation in quantum mechanics. Understanding this relationship is crucial for grasping the underlying principles of quantum rotations.
Kashmir
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Cohen tannoudji. Vol 1.pg 702"Now, let us consider an infinitesimal rotation ##\mathscr{R}_{\mathbf{e}_z}(\mathrm{~d} \alpha)## about the ##O z## axis. Since the group law is conserved for infinitesimal rotations, the operator ##R_{\mathbf{e}_z}(\mathrm{~d} \alpha)## is necessarily of the form: $$ R_{\mathbf{e}_z}(\mathrm{~d} \alpha)=1-\frac{i}{\hbar} \mathrm{d} \alpha J_z $$ where ##J_z## is a Hermitian operator since ##R_{\mathbf{e}_z}\left(\mathrm{~d} \alpha\right.## ) is unitary (cf. Complement ##\mathrm{C}_{\mathrm{II}}, \S 3## ). This relation is the definition of ##J_z##."

Why is it that; Since the group law is conserved for infinitesimal rotations, the operator ##R_{\mathbf{e}_z}(\mathrm{~d} \alpha)## is necessarily of the form: $$ R_{\mathbf{e}_z}(\mathrm{~d} \alpha)=1-\frac{i}{\hbar} \mathrm{d} \alpha J_z $$ where ##J_z## is a Hermitian operator?
 
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Unitarity of ##R \equiv R_{e_z}## means
$$R R^{\dagger}=(1-\mathrm{i} \mathrm{d} \alpha J_z)(1+\mathrm{i} \mathrm{d} \alpha) J_z^{\dagger} = 1 -\mathrm{i} \mathrm{d} \alpha (J_z - J_z^{\dagger}) + \mathcal{O}(\mathrm{d} \alpha^2) \stackrel{!}{=} 1 + \mathcal{O}(\mathrm{d} \alpha^2) \; \Rightarrow \; J_z=J_z^{\dagger}.$$
 
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vanhees71 said:
Unitarity of ##R \equiv R_{e_z}## means
$$R R^{\dagger}=(1-\mathrm{i} \mathrm{d} \alpha J_z)(1+\mathrm{i} \mathrm{d} \alpha) J_z^{\dagger} = 1 -\mathrm{i} \mathrm{d} \alpha (J_z - J_z^{\dagger}) + \mathcal{O}(\mathrm{d} \alpha^2) \stackrel{!}{=} 1 + \mathcal{O}(\mathrm{d} \alpha^2) \; \Rightarrow \; J_z=J_z^{\dagger}.$$
I was trying to ask about why does
The group law being conserved for infinitesimal rotations imply that

##R_{\mathbf{e}_z}(\mathrm{~d} \alpha)=1-\frac{i}{\hbar} \mathrm{d} \alpha J_z## . Why does it necessarily have this form
 
... because this is the infinitesimal generator relative to an virtual z axis? Is your question like "why is the Taylor expansion of the e function is at it is.."?
 
Kashmir said:
I was trying to ask about why does
The group law being conserved for infinitesimal rotations imply that

##R_{\mathbf{e}_z}(\mathrm{~d} \alpha)=1-\frac{i}{\hbar} \mathrm{d} \alpha J_z## . Why does it necessarily have this form
Every operator parameterized by an infinitesimal has that form. The group law implies ##J_z## is Hermitian. That's the point.
 
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Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. Towards the end of the first lecture for the Qiskit Global Summer School 2025, Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, Olivia Lanes (Global Lead, Content and Education IBM) stated... Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/quantum-entanglement-is-a-kinematic-fact-not-a-dynamical-effect/ by @RUTA

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