Calculation a reduced matrix element using E-Wigner Th.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the reduced matrix element ⟨la∥Y(L)∥lb⟩ using the Eckart-Wigner theorem. The spherical harmonics Yma(L)(r) represent components of the spherical tensor of rank L, and the integral solution leads to a transformation involving Wigner 3j symbols. The key issue addressed is the simplification of the Wigner symbols after substituting the integral result, which is clarified through the properties of the Dirac delta function, specifically that it only retains terms where the indices match.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spherical harmonics and their representation in quantum mechanics.
  • Familiarity with the Eckart-Wigner theorem and its applications.
  • Knowledge of Wigner 3j symbols and their significance in angular momentum coupling.
  • Basic concepts of Dirac delta functions and their properties in mathematical physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of spherical harmonics in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the Eckart-Wigner theorem in detail, particularly its implications for matrix elements.
  • Learn about Wigner 3j symbols and their role in quantum angular momentum theory.
  • Investigate the applications of Dirac delta functions in physics, especially in integrals and summations.
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Physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum mechanics and angular momentum theory, as well as students and researchers working on matrix elements and spherical tensor calculations.

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Hello.

I fail to follow one step in the process of calculating ⟨la∥Y(L)∥lb⟩ .

The spherical harmonics Yma(L)(r) represent the 2L+1 components of the spherical tensor of rank L. Writing the Eckart-Wigner th. for M = 0 yields:
Screen Shot 2017-08-05 at 2.12.25 PM.png
(1)

Also one can write
Screen Shot 2017-08-05 at 2.13.17 PM.png
(2)

Coupling L and lb to l:
Screen Shot 2017-08-05 at 2.14.00 PM.png
(3)

Thus having
Screen Shot 2017-08-05 at 2.14.30 PM.png
(4)

Now solving the integral:
Screen Shot 2017-08-05 at 2.15.05 PM.png
(5)

So:

Screen Shot 2017-08-05 at 2.15.31 PM.png
(6)

Here is my problem! After solving the integral (5) and replacing it into (4) I don't understand how that changes the Wigner 3j symbols from
Screen Shot 2017-08-05 at 2.17.26 PM.png
(3) into
Screen Shot 2017-08-05 at 2.17.52 PM.png
(6)

Could anyone please help me with this step? I m guessing it has something to do with does kronecker deltas from solving the integral and they act on the wigner symbols after substitution... but i have no idea how!
 
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In equation (4), the right hand side is summed over ##l## and ##m##. However upon inserting the result from equation (5), only the term with ##l=l_a## and ##m=-m_a## survives. Yes it has to do with the property of Dirac delta symbol which is for any pair of integer ##i## and ##j##, the Dirac delta ##\delta_{ij}## will give zero if ##i\neq j##. If ##i=j##, ##\delta_{ij} = 1##.
 
Oww i get it! Thank you so much!
 

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