Pauli Spin Operator Eigenvalues For Two Electron System

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the eigenvalues of the Pauli spin operator for a two-electron system, specifically addressing a discrepancy in the answer key regarding the eigenvalue of σ². Participants clarify that the correct eigenvalue is given by the formula ℏ²s(s+1), where s represents the total spin. The confusion arises from a misinterpretation of the eigenvalue as 4s(s+1), which is confirmed to be incorrect. The Hamiltonian for the system includes interactions described by the Pauli matrices and an applied magnetic field affecting only one spin.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically spin systems.
  • Familiarity with Pauli matrices and their applications in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of Hamiltonians and their role in quantum systems.
  • Basic grasp of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions in quantum mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of eigenvalues for the Pauli spin operator using the formula ℏ²s(s+1).
  • Explore the implications of the Hamiltonian Hex = A~σ1 · ~σ2 in two-electron systems.
  • Investigate the effects of the Zeeman Hamiltonian HZ = gµBB~ · ~σ1 on spin states.
  • Review Sakurai's "Modern Quantum Mechanics" for a deeper understanding of spin systems and eigenvalue problems.
USEFUL FOR

Quantum mechanics students, physicists specializing in spin systems, and researchers working on quantum information or magnetic interactions in multi-electron systems will benefit from this discussion.

xdrgnh
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I'm studying for a qualifying exam and I see something very strange in the answer key to one of the problems from a past qualifying exam. It appears the sigma^2 for a two electron system has eigenvalues according to the picture below of 4s(s+1) while from my understand of Sakurai it should have eigenvalue of s(s+1). Can anyone shed some light on this, I suspect it is an error.
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Your image didn't appear to come through. It might be better to link to a reference if you have one.
 
PeterDonis said:
Your image didn't appear to come through. It might be better to link to a reference if you have one.
Yes I see. I have a link to a google drive.

Anyway I can just upload a photo on my desktop?
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B9_oicNQsA7bSFFxT1czal9hclU

if you have access to the google drive it would be under 2009 part 2, the quantum question 2.
 
xdrgnh said:
here is the image.

This doesn't give enough context. Do you have an actual reference?
 
PeterDonis said:
This doesn't give enough context. Do you have an actual reference?
Consider two s = 1/2 spins. Their interaction with each other is described by the Hamiltonian: Hex = A~σ1 · ~σ2 , where A is a positive constant, and ~σ1 and ~σ2 are vectors with components given by the Pauli matrices. In addition, a magnetic field B~ is applied to spin #1 only, so that the Zeeman Hamiltonian of the system is HZ = gµBB~ · ~σ1 . Here µB is the Bohr magneton and g is the g-factor. This is the problem.
 
(a) Assume that a static field is applied, B~ = Bzˆ where ˆz is the unit vector along the z-axis. Find the eigenenergies of the system. Plot the spectrum as a function of B for fixed A, labeling all relevant features. Also find the eigenfunctions for B = 0 and in the limit of infinitely large B. (40 points) this is this is the question they are referring to. Also here is the image of the solution which I think has an error in it.

http://imgur.com/N4AxroC
 
xdrgnh said:
It appears the sigma^2 for a two electron system has eigenvalues according to the picture below of 4s(s+1) while from my understand of Sakurai it should have eigenvalue of s(s+1). Can anyone shed some light on this, I suspect it is an error.
It's ##\hat S^2## whose eigenvalue is ##\hbar^2 s(s+1)##. To get the eigenvalue of ##\hat \sigma^2##, use ##\hat {\mathbf S} = \frac{1}{2} \hbar \hat {\mathbf \sigma}##.
 

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