Robertson uncertainty relation for the angular momentum components

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the Robertson uncertainty relation to the components of orbital angular momentum in quantum mechanics. It highlights the triviality problem that arises when the commutator of two operators is zero, leading to zero variance and a lack of information about the observables. The participants clarify that while the uncertainty relation applies, the existence of simultaneous eigenfunctions for angular momentum components complicates the interpretation. Specifically, the spherical harmonic ##Y_{0}^{0}(\theta,\phi)## serves as an example where the uncertainties in all three components can be zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly angular momentum.
  • Familiarity with the Robertson uncertainty relation and its mathematical formulation.
  • Knowledge of commutators and their significance in quantum observables.
  • Basic concepts of spherical harmonics and their role in quantum states.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of the Robertson uncertainty relation in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the implications of commutation relations on quantum observables.
  • Investigate the properties of spherical harmonics and their applications in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the physical interpretation of simultaneous eigenfunctions in quantum systems.
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Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers exploring the properties of angular momentum in quantum systems will benefit from this discussion.

Yan Campo
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I would like any explanation about Robertson the uncertainty relation for the angular momentum components and compatibility between the components
I'm studying orbital angular momentum in the quantum domain, and I've come up with the Robertson uncertainty relation for the components of orbital angular momentum. Therefore, I read that it is necessary to pay attention to the triviality problem, because in the case where the commutator is zero, the product of the standard deviations is zero, so the variance is also zero. This means that we don't have information about one of the observables and, therefore, we don't know the incompatibility between the two, I think. But, I can't see any kind of problem in using the Robertson uncertainty relation in the orbital angular momentum components. Can anyone explain to me, or give me an example about this? I really want to understand.
 
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I am afraid there is no angle operator such that
[\hat{\theta},\hat{L}]=i\hbar
to which we apply Roberson uncertainty relation.
 
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Yan, the Robertson uncertainty principle is regarding two operator have a common complete set of eigenfunctions, i.e., in such basis both operators are diagonal. This is usually expressed, for example, as

$$\Delta A\Delta B \geq \frac{1}{2}\left | \int \psi^{*}[A,B]\psi d\tau\right |$$

But, in the case of angular momentum components, it does not mean that some of the eigenfunctions of ##L_{z}## cannot also be simultaneous eigenfunctions of ##L_{x}## and ##L_{y}##. See the case of ##Y_{0}^{0}(\theta,\phi)## spherical harmonic. In such case, it is allowed to have ##\Delta L_{x} = 0##, ##\Delta L_{y} = 0## and ##\Delta L_{z} = 0##.
 

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