How Do You Determine Rotational Invariance in a Two-Fermion System?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining rotational invariance in a two-fermion system, particularly focusing on the Hamiltonian and its commutation relations with angular momentum operators.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the method of checking rotational invariance by evaluating commutation relations, specifically discussing the Hamiltonian's operation on a two-particle wave function. Questions arise about the representation of angular momentum operators and the complexity of the calculations involved.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the necessary calculations to determine rotational invariance, with some participants providing guidance on the use of commutation relations. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being discussed, particularly regarding the representation of angular momentum.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the ground state wave function and the implications of using different angular momentum representations. There is also mention of potential complexity in the calculations, which may affect the approach taken.

jjohnson
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Screen Shot 2016-01-27 at 4.34.21 PM.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I suppose to determine if a hamiltonian is rotational invariant, we check if [H(1),L^2], however, I am not sure how to do it if the hamiltonian is operate on a two particle wave function.
Is it just to evaluate [S1z Z2 +S2z Z1, L1^2+L2^2]?

What is the ground state wave function for this system?
I suppose it is

A (|0,1,1/2,-1/2> - |0,1,-1/2,1/2>), if you apply S1z, you get 0. It is also true for S2z. I think I am just lost here.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The rotation operator in this system will be associated with the angular momentum operator ##J^z = L_1^z + S_1^z + L_2^z + S_2^z##. To check if the perturbation alters the rotation invariant of the system, calculate the commutation ##[H^{(1)},J^z]##.
 
blue_leaf77 said:
The rotation operator in this system will be associated with the angular momentum operator ##J^z = L_1^z + S_1^z + L_2^z + S_2^z##. To check if the perturbation alters the rotation invariant of the system, calculate the commutation ##[H^{(1)},J^z]##.

Thank you fore replying.
How should I reprent ## L_z ##? is it ## XP_y - YP_x ##? Get r in spherical coordinate using raising and lowering operator and projection z axis? seems like a lot of work.
 
jjohnson said:
is it ##XP_y - YP_x## ?
Yes. ##L_z## is the orbital angular momentum of one of the fermions.
jjohnson said:
Get r in spherical coordinate using raising and lowering operator and projection z axis?
That's too much than needed. Just plug in each expression for ##H^{(1)}## and ##J_z## into the commutator ##[H^{(1)},J_z]##. It should be simple if you use the property of commutator between angular momentum and position.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K