How do I account for a Jacobian when changing coordinates for two particles?

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The discussion focuses on computing matrix elements of a two-body quantum-mechanical potential and the concern about accounting for the Jacobian when changing coordinates from two particle coordinates to center-of-mass and relative coordinates. The integral involves a transformation that yields a momentum-conserving delta function and the Fourier transform of the potential. The user realizes that the Jacobian for the transformation from d^3 r_1 d^3 r_2 to d^3 R d^3 r is crucial but initially struggles with its derivation for two particles. They eventually derive the Jacobian and acknowledge the importance of orientation in the transformation, noting that area elements cannot be negative. The conversation highlights the complexities of handling Jacobians in multi-particle systems in quantum mechanics.
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I am computing matrix elements of a two body quantum-mechanical potential, which take the form

V_{k l m n} = \int d^3 r_1 d^3 r_2 e^{-i k \cdot r_1} e^{-i l \cdot r_2} V( | r_1-r_2 | ) e^{i m \cdot r_1} e^{i n \cdot r_2}

To do this integral, I make the change of coordinates
\overset{\rightarrow}{r} \equiv ( \overset{\rightarrow}{r}_1 - \overset{\rightarrow}{r}_2 ) / 2, \overset{\rightarrow}{R} \equiv ( \overset{\rightarrow}{r}_1 + \overset{\rightarrow}{r}_2 ) / 2 ,

which gives a momentum conserving delta function times the Fourier transform of the potential. This is exactly what as expected, but I am concerned that I am missing an overall Jacobian factor when I make the swap

d^3 r_1 d^3 r_2 \rightarrow d^3 R d^3 r

I know how to get Jacobians for a single particle's coordinates, but for some reason I can't think straight about two particles. Can anyone provide guidance on this issue?

thanks :)
 
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I figured it out...

Suppose X \equiv (x + y)/2 , Y \equiv (x - y)/2. Then dx \wedge dy = (dX + dY) \wedge (dX - dY) = dY \wedge dX - dX \wedge dY = -2 dX \wedge dY

I am being sloppy, because I am planning on throwing out that minus sign; perhaps someone can enlighten me (I think it has to do with orientation; in any case area elements can't be negative -- that would just be nonsense!)
 

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