Quantum constant of motion in a magnetic field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the Complete Set of Commuting Observables (CSCO) for a particle of mass m and spin 1/2 in the presence of a magnetic field B in the z-direction. The original CSCO is identified as {𝛠, 𝛡, 𝛢, 𝛣, 𝛤} when the magnetic field is inactive. Upon activating the magnetic field, the Hamiltonian is defined as H = H0 + H1, where H0 includes the kinetic and potential energy terms, and H1 accounts for the magnetic interaction. The participant concludes that the CSCO remains unchanged despite the presence of the magnetic field, provided the interaction L·S is not considered.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly observables and operators.
  • Familiarity with the Complete Set of Commuting Observables (CSCO) concept.
  • Knowledge of Hamiltonian mechanics and how to construct Hamiltonians.
  • Basic understanding of magnetic interactions in quantum systems, including gyromagnetic factors.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and implications of the Complete Set of Commuting Observables (CSCO) in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the role of magnetic fields in quantum systems, focusing on the effects of external magnetic fields on spin-1/2 particles.
  • Explore Hamiltonian formulations in quantum mechanics, particularly for systems with spherical potentials.
  • Investigate the interaction between orbital and spin angular momentum, specifically the L·S coupling in quantum mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

Quantum physicists, graduate students in physics, and researchers interested in the behavior of spin-1/2 particles in magnetic fields will benefit from this discussion.

Dario SLC
Hello, I have a doubt about the Complete Set of commuting observables (CSCO) in the cases when there are a magnetic field ##B## in z.
The statement is find the constant of motion and CSCO for a particle of mass m and spin 1/2, not necessary a electron or any atomic particle.

I know that the CSCO is ##\{\hat{H}, \hat{L^2},\hat{L_z},\hat{S_z},\hat{S^2}\}## if not active the magnetic field, and them are constants of motion.
If not consider the coupling ##\hat{L}\hat{S}##, I think that the CSCO do not change, ie, conserve the constants of motion. But if I consider ##L\cdot S##, the new CSCO is ##\{\hat{H}, \hat{L^2},\hat{J_z},\hat{J^2},\hat{S^2}\}## (in absent of field ##B##)

That is true?

(The potential ##V##, is a spherical potential, only depends of ##r## coordinate.)
 
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Dario SLC said:
The statement is find the constant of motion and CSCO for a particle of mass m and spin 1/2, not necessary a electron or any atomic particle.
Dario SLC said:
(The potential ##V##, is a spherical potential, only depends of ##r## coordinate.)
This is why we require that the homework template be filled, including the full statement of the problem. Is there a potential or not?

The answer to your question depends on what's included in the Hamiltonian. So, what is ##\hat{H}##?
 
DrClaude said:
This is why we require that the homework template be filled, including the full statement of the problem. Is there a potential or not?
Hello, yes I don't put it, this potencial is a spherical step of height ##V_0##.
Stament
A particle of mass ##m## and spin 1/2, is subject a potential spherical step of height ##V_0##. If a external magnetic field constant ##B_0## is activated in the direction of ##z##. Find the Hamiltonian and CSCO.

DrClaude said:
The answer to your question depends on what's included in the Hamiltonian. So, what is ##\hat{H}##?
I think that the Hamiltonian is:
$$
\hat{H_0}=\left(\frac{\hat{p}_0^2}{2m}+\hat{V_0}\right)+\frac{\hat{L^2}}{2mr}
$$
and the Hamiltonian due to external magnetic field ##B=B_0\hat{z}##
$$
\hat{H_1}=-\frac{\mu_B}{\hbar}\left(g_l\hat{L}+g_s\hat{S}\right)B_0
$$
when ##g_l## and ##g_s## there are de gyromagnetic factor (orbital and spin respectly), and because I don't know which class of particle is, I don't use the values 1 and 2 for ##g_l## and ##g_s##
then ##\hat{H}=\hat{H_0}+\hat{H_1}##

I don't include the interaction ##L\cdot S## because it's a particle of mass ##m##, I don't know if the mass generates a magnetic field like the electron. By this I think that the CSCO is the same independient of the external magnetic field, all conmutations remain valid.
 

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