How Does Angular Momentum Operate in Exponential Form?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the operation of angular momentum in exponential form, particularly in the context of quantum mechanics. Participants explore the mathematical representation of angular momentum operators and their application to quantum states, including the use of exponential functions and rotation operators.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Jorge inquires about the operation of the angular momentum operator in exponential form and how to express the action of lowering and raising operators $$J_-$$ and $$J_+$$.
  • One participant suggests that the operators are defined using the Taylor series for the exponential function.
  • Another participant questions Jorge's notation and seeks clarification on what he intends to calculate, suggesting that the representation of a general rotation is given by a unitary operator involving Euler angles.
  • This participant also mentions the calculation of matrix elements in terms of eigenstates leading to Wigner D-matrices, providing a link for further reference.
  • Jorge clarifies that he is interested in an operator that rotates the physical system while keeping the axis fixed, emphasizing the invariance of this rotation for studying particle properties.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the clarity of notation and the specific calculations being sought. There is no consensus on the interpretation of the original question or the appropriate approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the notation used by Jorge and the specific calculations he wishes to perform. The discussion also highlights the dependence on definitions related to angular momentum and rotation operators.

StephvsEinst
Science Advisor
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Hey!

How does the operator of angular momentum operates in exponential form?

$$ e^{-i\theta J}\vert l, m \rangle = ?? $$

where $$J\vert \Psi \rangle = J\vert l, m \rangle$$
and
$$J^2\vert \Psi\rangle = \hbar^2 l(l+1)\vert \Psi\rangle $$

Also, how do you operate $$J_-$$
and $$J_+$$
in exponential form?

Thanks,
Jorge.
 
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They're defined in terms of the taylor series for the exponential function.
 
First of all, your notation doesn't make sense. What do you want to calculate? If you like to find the representation of a general rotation, that's given in terms of the Euler angles ##(\alpha,\beta,\gamma)## by the unitary operator
$$\hat{D}(\alpha,\beta,\gamma)=\exp(-\mathrm{i} \alpha \hat{J}_z) \exp(-\mathrm{i} \beta \hat{J}_y) \exp(-\mathrm{i} \gamma \hat{J}_z).$$
You can calculate its matrix elements in terms of the usual eigenstates ##|j,m \rangle##, leading to the Wigner D-matrices:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wigner_D-matrix
 
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vanhees71 said:
First of all, your notation doesn't make sense. What do you want to calculate? If you like to find the representation of a general rotation, that's given in terms of the Euler angles ##(\alpha,\beta,\gamma)## by the unitary operator
$$\hat{D}(\alpha,\beta,\gamma)=\exp(-\mathrm{i} \alpha \hat{J}_z) \exp(-\mathrm{i} \beta \hat{J}_y) \exp(-\mathrm{i} \gamma \hat{J}_z).$$
You can calculate its matrix elements in terms of the usual eigenstates ##|j,m \rangle##, leading to the Wigner D-matrices:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wigner_D-matrix

I was talking about a operator that rotates the physical system and leaves the axis fixed (active viewpoint). This rotation is invariant to let us study the properties of the particle without worrying about the angular momentum of the particle (because it is conserved). I wanted to know how the rotation operator worked on the state $$\vert l, m \rangle$$ of the particle, which is given by the Wigner D-matrix. So your answer was what I was looking for. Thanks!
 

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