Prove the following commutation relations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving specific commutation relations involving the Pauli-Lubanski vector and its role in the context of quantum mechanics and representation theory. The subject area includes advanced topics in quantum field theory and group theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different methods to approach the proof, including the use of the Pauli-Lubanski vector and its implications in the rest frame of a particle. Some express uncertainty about how to proceed with calculations, while others suggest alternative perspectives on the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and insights into the nature of the proof required. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity involved, and some participants have shared their attempts and thoughts without reaching a consensus on the approach.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific representations and the need to consider fixed three-momentum, which may indicate constraints on the problem setup. Additionally, the mention of a professor's solution suggests that there may be established methods or examples that could influence the discussion.

Hibarikyoya
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Homework Statement
I have to prove that:

$$[J^k, J^i] = i \epsilon^{kij} J^j$$

.
Relevant Equations
where $$J^k = \frac{1}{M} (L^{-1})^k_{\mu} W^{\mu},$$ in which M is a real number (with the meaning of a mass), $L(\vec{P},M)$ is a Lorentz transformation (in particular a boost in the direction identified by the momentum $\vec{P}$). I can also provide the explicit form of this transformation, but I think is not needed for this exercise. $W^{\mu}$ is the Pauli-Lubanski four vector. Moreover k, i and j run from 1 to 3 and they are spatial indices, while the greek indices run from 0 to 3
I tried in this way:
$$[J^k, J^i] = \frac{1}{M^2}\ (L^{-1})^k_{\mu}\ (L^{-1})^i_{\nu}\ [W^{\mu}, W^{\nu}] $$
$$ = \frac{1}{M^2}\ (L^{-1})^k_{\mu}\ (L^{-1})^i_{\nu}\ (-i) \epsilon^{\mu \nu \rho \sigma} W_{\rho} P_{\sigma}.$$
At this point I had no idea how to going on with the calculation. Can anyone help me?
 
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Dealing with
\mathbf{J}=\mathbf{r}\times\mathbf{p}
is a primitive way. Do you like to solve the problem in an advanced way ?
 
Hint: What you are supposed to prove is that the Pauli-Lubanski vector provides the generators (Lie-algebra basis elements) of the little group for the massive representations, where indeed the little group is the SO(3) (represented by representations of the SU(2), i.e., its covering group in QT).

Obviously the idea is to consider the Pauli-Lubanski-vector operators on the subspace of fixed three-momentum ##\vec{P}##. The boost transforms to the rest frame of the particle, where ##P^{\mu}/M=(1,0,0,0)##, and where ##W^{\mu}=(0,\vec{W})##.

In other words: For your prove you can simply work in the restframe of the particle and the three spatial components of ##\vec{W}## wrt. this frame.
 
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vanhees71 said:
Hint: What you are supposed to prove is that the Pauli-Lubanski vector provides the generators (Lie-algebra basis elements) of the little group for the massive representations, where indeed the little group is the SO(3) (represented by representations of the SU(2), i.e., its covering group in QT).

Obviously the idea is to consider the Pauli-Lubanski-vector operators on the subspace of fixed three-momentum ##\vec{P}##. The boost transforms to the rest frame of the particle, where ##P^{\mu}/M=(1,0,0,0)##, and where ##W^{\mu}=(0,\vec{W})##.

In other words: For your prove you can simply work in the restframe of the particle and the three spatial components of ##\vec{W}## wrt. this frame.
Very nice idea. The professor showed us his solution and it was a mess
 

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