Sakurai's Formula for <j m | S^2_+ |j m >

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In summary, the conversation is discussing the formula for <j m | S^2_+ |j m > and the reference to equations in Sakurai. The formula is derived using 3.5.35 and 3.5.37 from Sakurai. The conversation also touches on the calculation of S_{-}|j,m\rangle and the substitution of J_+*J_- with J^2 - J_z^2+hbarJ_z.
  • #1
Nusc
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Homework Statement



Does anyone know what the formula is for the following:

<j m | S^2_+ |j m > = ?

Reference to equations in Sakurai would be helpful in deriving the relation. I would suspect 3.5.37 but what about the delta_j j' ?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
3.5.35 a

<j',m|J^2 |j,m> = j(j+1)hbar^2 delta_j j' delta m m'

3.5.37 is

J_+ |j,m> = c_jm^+ |j,m+1>
 
  • #3
Well, I'd start by calculating [itex]S_{-}|j,m\rangle[/itex]...what do you get for that?
 
  • #4
J_- |j,m> = c_{j,m}^+ |j,m-1>

The formula that I'm interested in is :
<j m | S^2_+ |j m > = delta_m',m+2 c_jm^+ c_j m+1 ^+

But I don't understand how that is constructed, it's not in sakurai.
 
  • #5
Well, [itex]\langle j,m|S^2_{-}|j,m\rangle=\langle j,m|(S^2_{-}|j,m\rangle)[/itex] and [itex]S^2_{-}|j,m\rangle=S_{-}(S_{-}|j,m\rangle)=[/itex]___?
 
  • #6
ok thx
 
  • #7
gabbagabbahey said:
Well, [itex]\langle j,m|S^2_{-}|j,m\rangle=\langle j,m|(S^2_{-}|j,m\rangle)[/itex] and [itex]S^2_{-}|j,m\rangle=S_{-}(S_{-}|j,m\rangle)=[/itex]___?

Normally J_+*J_- is substituted as J^2 - J_z^2+hbarJ_z

As you described above, J_+(J_-J_+), wouldn't the content in parenthesese just cancel out?
 

What is Sakurai's Formula for ?

Sakurai's Formula is a mathematical expression used in quantum mechanics to calculate the expectation value of the spin operator squared (S^2_+) for a quantum system with total angular momentum j and magnetic quantum number m.

Why is Sakurai's Formula important?

Sakurai's Formula allows us to calculate the average value of the spin for a quantum system, which is an important property in understanding the behavior of particles and atoms. It is also used in many calculations in quantum mechanics.

How is Sakurai's Formula derived?

Sakurai's Formula is derived from the commutation relations of the angular momentum operators and the properties of the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients, which describe the coupling of different angular momenta in a quantum system.

Can Sakurai's Formula be applied to any quantum system?

Yes, Sakurai's Formula can be applied to any quantum system with total angular momentum j and magnetic quantum number m. It is a general formula that is widely used in quantum mechanics.

Are there any limitations to using Sakurai's Formula?

One limitation of Sakurai's Formula is that it only applies to systems with well-defined total angular momentum and magnetic quantum number. It cannot be used for systems with unknown or continuously varying angular momentum states.

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