Probability of Measuring Spin-1 Particle in State |1,-1> at Time t?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the probability of a spin-1 particle being in the state |1,-1> at time t, given an external magnetic field B_0 in the x direction and an initial spin state of spin up in the z direction. The spin Hamiltonian is defined as H = ω_0 S_x. Participants suggest starting with the S_x matrix in the z basis to find the eigenvector, which provides the amplitudes for the spin states. The consensus is that expressing the initial state in the x basis is essential for time evolution, and the use of a rotation matrix may be necessary for transforming the spin states.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically spin-1 particles
  • Familiarity with Hamiltonians and their role in quantum systems
  • Knowledge of matrix representations of spin operators, particularly S_x
  • Experience with basis transformations in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of spin-1 particles and their state representations
  • Learn about the time evolution of quantum states using the Schrödinger equation
  • Research rotation matrices and their application in quantum state transformations
  • Explore the concept of eigenvalues and eigenvectors in the context of quantum mechanics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying spin systems and their dynamics in external fields. It is also useful for anyone interested in the mathematical techniques used in quantum state transformations.

cragar
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Homework Statement


A spin-1 particle is placed in a constatn external B field
with [itex]B_0[/itex] in the x direction. the intial spin of the particle
is spin up in the z direction.
Take the spin Hamiltonian to be [itex]H=\omega_0 S_x[/itex]
determine the probability that the particle is in the state |1,-1> at time t.

The Attempt at a Solution


Would I start with using the [itex]S_x[/itex] matrix in the z basis and then
set this equal to spin 1 and then find the eigenvector for this equation and that
will give me the amplitudes for spin-1, spin-0 and spin minus 1 and these will be amplitudes
in the x basis then I will just time evovle that intial state.
So I will have [itex]S_xQ=1Q[/itex]
where Q is a generic column vector and 1 is the eigenvalue because we are
spin up in the z direction. Or do I need everything in the x basis.
But it seems like I first have to work in the z basis because we know it is spin up in the z direction.
 
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If you can express "spin in z-direction" in the basis of spin in x-direction, you don't have to work with a basis of z-spin.
The basis is just a mathematical tool - you can choose any basis you like (even y-direction or weird linear combinations of those, but that would be impractical).
 
so i just need to write spin up in the z in the x basis.
I am not really sure how to do that with spin-1.
Do I use a rotation matrix.
 

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