Spherical harmonics and angular momentum operators

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of spherical harmonics and angular momentum operators, particularly focusing on the eigenvalues associated with the orbital angular momentum operator Lz and the notation used for its eigenstates.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether there is a maximum value of Lz denoted by |ll>, suggesting that this notation represents the eigenvectors for the maximum values of orbital angular momentum.
  • Another participant asserts that the specific notation |ll> is less important than the fact that it is an eigenvector of Lz.
  • There is a query about the derivation of the eigenvalues of Lz, with one participant stating that they should always appear as l h_bar, implying a standard result in the context of angular momentum.
  • A participant mentions having completed the derivation of the eigenvalues, indicating engagement with the mathematical aspects of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple viewpoints regarding the notation and significance of the maximum value of Lz, as well as the derivation of its eigenvalues. No consensus is reached on the importance of the |ll> notation versus the general properties of eigenvectors.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the definitions of eigenstates and eigenvalues are not explicitly stated, and the discussion does not resolve the implications of the notation used.

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When solving for the spherical harmonic equations of the orbital angular momentum this textbook I'm reading..

Does this mean that there must be a max value of Lz which is denoted by |ll>? Normally the ket would look like |lm>, and since m is maxed at m=l then |ll> is the ket consisting of the eigenvectors for the max values of the orbital angular momentum.

Also how do we know the associated eigenvalues of Lz look like l h_bar?
 

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Does this mean that there must be a max value of Lz which is denoted by |ll>
It doesn;t matter - all they care about is that it is an eigenvector of Lz.

Also how do we know the associated eigenvalues of Lz look like l h_bar?
... because that is always what they look like - should have been covered earlier in the text.

##\renewcommand{\ket}[1]{| #1 \rangle}##
##L_z\ket{l,m}=m\hbar\ket{l,m}##

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angula...tal_angular_momentum_in_spherical_coordinates
 
Yes, I did the derivation of the eigenvalues as well. Thanks for your help!
 
Well done!
 

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