How to Derive Specific Commutation Relations for Lorentz Generators?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving specific commutation relations for Lorentz generators, specifically [J_i, J_j] = iħε_{ijk}J_k, [J_i, K_j] = iħε_{ijk}K_k, and [K_i, K_j] = -iħε_{ijk}J_k. The participants identify issues with an extra factor of 1/2 appearing in the second and third commutation relations. The correct approach involves using the definitions J_a = (1/2)ε_{abc}M^{bc} and K_d = M^{d0} to clarify the indices and eliminate the factor of 1/2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz transformations and generators
  • Familiarity with commutation relations in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of tensor notation and the Levi-Civita symbol
  • Basic concepts of quantum mechanics, particularly angular momentum operators
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Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics and special relativity, will benefit from this discussion. It is especially relevant for those studying angular momentum and Lorentz symmetry.

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Homework Statement



Derive the following commutation relations from the general commutation relation for the Lorentz generators:

[tex][J_i,J_j]=i\hbar\epsilon_{ijk}J_k[/tex]

[tex][J_i,K_j]=i\hbar\epsilon_{ijk}K_k[/tex]

[tex][K_i,K_j]=-i\hbar\epsilon_{ijk}J_k[/tex]

Homework Equations



The commutator for the Lorentz generators:

[tex][M^{\mu\nu},M^{\rho\sigma}]= i\hbar ((g^{\mu\rho}M^{\nu\sigma} - (\mu \leftrightarrow \nu))-(\rho \leftrightarrow \sigma))[/tex][tex]J_i=\frac{1}{2}\epsilon_{ijk}M^{jk}[/tex]

[tex]K_i=M^{i0}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I've got the first one.

The second two I'm having slight problems and just need help finding my mistake.

For the second commutator, I have an extra factor of 1/2 on the RHS. I start from:

[tex][M^{jk},M^{j0}]= i\hbar ((g^{jj}M^{k0} - (\mu \doublearrow \nu))-(\rho \doublearrow \sigma))[/tex]

Only the first term on the right have side is non zero since all off diagonal g are 0.

Now this implies:

[tex][J_{i},K_j]= \frac{1}{2}\epsilon_{ijk}i\hbar M^{k0}[/tex]

How do I get rid of that pesky 1/2?

Similarly on the third commutator:

I start from the same place and get to the line:

[tex][K_i,K_j]=[M^{i0},M^{k0}]=-i\hbar M^{ij}[/tex]

I can't figure out how to put the RHS in terms of J_k without getting a factor of 2!

Any help will be appreciated. I'm sure its just stupid errors. Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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For part b, I don't think you should be getting to [itex][M^{jk},M^{j0}[/itex] at all. It looks like you may be mixing up two different indices: the j in
[tex][J_i,K_j] = i\hbar\epsilon_{ijk}K_{k}[/tex]
is not the same as the j in
[tex]J_i = \frac{1}{2}\epsilon_{ijk}M^{jk}[/tex]
It might help to rewrite the definitions of J and K as
[tex]J_a = \frac{1}{2}\epsilon_{abc}M^{bc}[/tex]
[tex]K_d = M^{d0}[/tex]
to keep the different indices straight.

Then again, I tried to do the problem myself and I'm getting the same extra factor of 1/2 that you are...
 

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