Are Spin and Quantum States Independent in Wave Functions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the independence of spin and quantum states in the wave function of an electron, represented as ψ_{n,σ}(x,ζ). It is established that the spin quantum number σ, which can be either spin up or down, is not independent of the discrete values ζ associated with spin states. The conclusion is that ζ should be disregarded, as the spin character of the wave function functions merely as a labeling mechanism, similar to other quantum labels. This is supported by mathematical formulations from Pauli and Dirac theories, which clarify the relationship between quantum states.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave functions in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with quantum numbers, specifically orbital quantum number (n) and spin quantum number (σ)
  • Knowledge of Pauli and Dirac theories in quantum physics
  • Basic mathematical concepts related to mappings in R3 and functional dependence
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical framework of wave functions in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the implications of Pauli exclusion principle in quantum states
  • Review the book "Nanostructures; Theory and Modeling" by C. Delerue & M. Lannoo for further context
  • Investigate the role of quantum labels in wave functions and their physical significance
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in the foundational aspects of wave functions and spin states in quantum theory.

hokhani
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When we speak about wave function of an electron, we write it as ψ_{n,σ} (x,ζ) so that we specify here the orbital quantum number by n and spin quantum number by σ. σ can take two values according to spin up or down. x is space position and ζ has two discrete values related to spin up and down.
Now my question:
Is it possible to have σ related to spin up and ζ related to spin down simultaneously? In other words are σ and ζ independent (like n and x that are independent)?
 
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It's not correct, there's only a continuous (space, momentum, space-time, momentum-time) functional dependence of the electron/spin σ particle. * The "ζ" should be deleted, the spin character of the wavefunction appears only as a counting label on ψ, just like other labels (total angular momentum, electric charge, parity).

* Mathematically speaking ψ is a mapping from R3 (disregard time) to \otimes_{\sigma} L^2 (R^3), where sigma takes 2s+1 = 2 (s=1/2) values in the Pauli theory and 2(2s+1) =4 (again s=1/2) values in the Dirac theory.
 
Thanks Mr/Mis Kurt Lewin
I agree, but there is such a statement in the book "Nanostructures; Theory and modeling" by C. Delerue & M. Lannoo, chapter1, formula (1.6), that had made me confused.
 
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