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How can we compute expectation values for spin states using Pauli matrices?
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[QUOTE="matteo137, post: 5028955, member: 336356"] One approach, which I think is very pedagogic, is to write everything in terms of vectors and matrices. This can be done in this case because a spin has a finite length, while it would be more difficult for the case of a harmonic oscillator. For example you can define ##\vert +z \rangle = (1,0)^{T}##, ##\vert -z \rangle = (0,1)^{T}##. Then you have to express the spin operator in terms of Pauli matrices, and multiply everything. e.g. ##\langle +z \vert S_z \vert +z \rangle = (1,0) \dfrac{\hbar}{2}\sigma_z (1,0)^{T} = \dfrac{\hbar}{2}## P.S. note that if your spin is not ##1/2## then it might be tough... [/QUOTE]
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How can we compute expectation values for spin states using Pauli matrices?
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