Mixed states and total wave function for three-Fermion-systems

In summary: They are used to construct antisymmetric wave functions for fermionic systems. In summary, the conversation is discussing the use of Slater determinants to create antisymmetric wave functions for fermionic systems.
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Homework Statement
Find the total wave function (including the spatial part) of a system of three spin ##\frac{1}{2}## particles.
Relevant Equations
##\Psi = \psi_s(x_1, x_2, x_3) \xi_a (S_1, S_2, S_3) + \psi_a(x_1, x_2, x_3) \xi_s (S_1, S_2, S_3)##
I've already calculated the total spin of the system in the addition basis:

##\ket{1 \frac{3}{2} \frac{3}{2}}; \ket{1 \frac{3}{2} \frac{-3}{2}}; \ket{1 \frac{3}{2} \frac{1}{2}}; \ket{1 \frac{3}{2} \frac{-3}{2}}; \ket{0 \frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{2}}; \ket{0 \frac{1}{2} \frac{-1}{2}}; \ket{1 \frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{2}}; \ket{1 \frac{1}{2} \frac{-1}{2}}##

The states corresponding to the ##j=\frac{3}{2}##-subspace are symmetric and I'll call it ##\xi_s (S_1, S_2, S_3)##, while the other states are neither symmetric nor antisymmetric.

The total wave function must be antisymmetric since the system is fermionic. If there were antisymmetric states, the wave function would be:

##\Psi = \psi_s(x_1, x_2, x_3) \xi_a (S_1, S_2, S_3) + \psi_a(x_1, x_2, x_3) \xi_s (S_1, S_2, S_3)##

with

##\psi_s(x_1, x_2, x_3)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{3!}} [\psi_1 (x_1) \psi_2 (x_2) \psi_3 (x_3)+\psi_1 (x_1) \psi_2 (x_3) \psi_3 (x_2)+\psi_1 (x_2) \psi_2 (x_1) \psi_3 (x_3)+\psi_1 (x_2) \psi_2 (x_3) \psi_3 (x_1)+\psi_1 (x_3) \psi_2 (x_1) \psi_3 (x_2)+\psi_1 (x_3) \psi_2 (x_2) \psi_3 (x_1)]##

##\psi_a(x_1, x_2, x_3)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{3!}} [\psi_1 (x_1) \psi_2 (x_2) \psi_3 (x_3)-\psi_1 (x_1) \psi_2 (x_3) \psi_3 (x_2)-\psi_1 (x_2) \psi_2 (x_1) \psi_3 (x_3)+\psi_1 (x_2) \psi_2 (x_3) \psi_3 (x_1)+\psi_1 (x_3) \psi_2 (x_1) \psi_3 (x_2)-\psi_1 (x_3) \psi_2 (x_2) \psi_3 (x_1)]##

But we don't have ##\xi_a (S_1, S_2, S_3)## states.

What should I do?
 
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1. What is a mixed state in the context of three-Fermion systems?

A mixed state in three-Fermion systems refers to a state in which the particles are not in a pure state, meaning they do not have well-defined quantum states. Instead, the particles are in a superposition of multiple states, each with a different probability of being observed.

2. How is the total wave function for a three-Fermion system calculated?

The total wave function for a three-Fermion system is calculated by taking the product of the individual wave functions for each particle. This wave function describes the overall quantum state of the system, taking into account the interactions and correlations between the particles.

3. Can the total wave function for a three-Fermion system be written as a single wave function?

No, the total wave function for a three-Fermion system cannot be written as a single wave function. This is because the particles in a three-Fermion system are indistinguishable and must be described by a multi-particle wave function that takes into account their symmetries.

4. How do mixed states affect the behavior of three-Fermion systems?

Mixed states can affect the behavior of three-Fermion systems by introducing uncertainty into the system. This can result in a range of possible outcomes for measurements of the system's properties, rather than a single definite value. Additionally, mixed states can lead to entanglement between particles, which can have significant consequences for the behavior of the system.

5. Are there any real-world applications for understanding mixed states and total wave function in three-Fermion systems?

Yes, understanding mixed states and total wave function in three-Fermion systems is crucial for many real-world applications in fields such as quantum computing, nuclear physics, and materials science. By studying and manipulating mixed states, scientists can gain a better understanding of the behavior of complex systems and potentially develop new technologies and materials with unique properties.

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