Magnetic field of a Spin-1/2-Particle

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the magnetic field generated by a Spin-1/2 Particle, specifically a Silver Atom, and its interaction with a charged Spin-0 particle, such as a Silver-Ion. The magnetic dipole moment is defined as \mathbf{\mu}=\gamma\mathbf{S}, leading to the magnetic field equations \mathbf{B(r)} and the forces experienced by the charged particle in the y and z directions. The conversation highlights the challenge of measuring spin components S_y and S_z simultaneously due to the uncertainty principle, questioning the validity of treating the second particle classically in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Spin-1/2 particles and their properties
  • Familiarity with magnetic dipole moments and the gyromagnetic ratio
  • Knowledge of the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics
  • Basic concepts of classical mechanics as applied to charged particles
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  • Research the Stern-Gerlach Experiment and its implications for spin measurement
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of magnetic fields from dipole moments
  • Study the implications of the uncertainty principle on simultaneous measurements
  • Investigate the classical vs. quantum treatment of charged particles in magnetic fields
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Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in the behavior of spin particles and their interactions with magnetic fields.

klpskp
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Suppose we have a Spin-1/2-Particle with no charge, like a Silver Atom, fixed at the origin. The magnetic dipole moment is \mathbf{\mu}=\gamma\mathbf{S}, where \gamma ist the gyromagnetic ration and \mathbf{S} is the spin angular momentum.
The magnetic moment creates the magnetic field:
\mathbf{B(r)}=\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}(\frac{3\mathbf{r}(\mathbf{\mu}\cdot\mathbf{r})}{r^5}-\frac{\mathbf{\mu}}{r^3})
Further suppose we have a charged, spin 0 particle, like a Silver-Ion, at the position z\mathbf{\hat{k}} with the velocity v\mathbf{\hat{i}}. Also suppose that the particle is heavy enough to be treated like a classical object, The magnetic field at the position of the second particle in y and z direction is:
B_z=\frac{\mu_0\gamma}{4\pi z^3}(3S_z-S_z)=\frac{\mu_0\gamma}{2\pi z^3}S_z
B_y=-\frac{\mu_0\gamma}{4\pi z^3}S_y
Now the second particle will experience a force in the y-Direction proportional to B_z and a force in the z-Direction proportional to B_y. Now if we let this particle hit a screen we can measure the deflection in y- and in z-direction. From this, we can infer B_y. and B_z and therefore S_y and S_z. But the uncertainty principle does not allow for S_y and S_z to be measured simultaneously. So where is the mistake?

I'm not sure if the approximation to treat the second particle classically is valid, but it is the same approximation commonly used for calculations in the Stern-Gerlach Experiment. If it is not valid, could you please provide a qualitative description how the probability of finding the second particle on a specific spot on the screen depends on the spin of the first particle?

Thank you for your help :)
 
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klpskp said:
B_y=-\frac{\mu_0\gamma}{4\pi z^3}S_y
I guess you mean ##y^3##, not ##z^3##.

What you have is basically is a magnetic field along an axis ##\hat{n}## that is at a certain angle in the y-z plane. After the measurement, you will know ##S_n##, which will correspond to a superposition of state for both ##S_z## and ##S_y##.
 

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