Spin dynamics and Larmor precession

In summary, the conversation discusses an electron with spin in a homogenous magnetic field and its Hamiltonian. The time-dependent state of the electron in spin space is also considered. The expectation values of the spin operators are shown to satisfy equations of motion and the value of \omega_0 is discussed. It is also mentioned that the expectation value of the spin rotates in the xy-plane due to the equations of motion. The value of \omega_0 is found to be \omega=\gamma\cdot|B|=\frac{gq}{2m}\cdot|B|. The possibility of the B-field not being truly homogenous due to the z-axis having a non-time-dependent expectation value is also brought up.
  • #1
Lunar_Lander
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Homework Statement



Consider an electron with spin, which should be in a homogenous magnetic field B=B0ez. This situation is described by the Hamiltonian of the shape [itex]\hat{H}=g\frac{\mu_B}{\hbar}\textbf{BS}[/itex].

Consider now the time dependent state [itex]|\psi(t)>[/itex] of the electron in spin space. The spatial structure of [itex]|\psi(t)>[/itex] is not considered here at all!

(a) Show that the expectation values of the spin operators satisfy the equations of motion:

[itex]\frac{d}{dt}<S_x>=-\omega_0<S_y>[/itex]
[itex]\frac{d}{dt}<S_y>=\omega_0<S_x>[/itex]
[itex]\frac{d}{dt}<S_z>=0[/itex].

What is the value of [itex]\omega_0[/itex]?

(b) Show that because of the equations of motion, the expectation value of the spin rotates in the xy-Plane (~Larmor precession)

Homework Equations



When looking up the Larmor precession I found this: [itex]\omega=\gamma\cdot|B|=\frac{gq}{2m}\cdot|B|[/itex].

The Attempt at a Solution


Is the formula I gave in (2) already the solution for [itex]\omega_0[/itex]? Being naive I would think that the rotation cannot happen in the z-Direction, as the temporal derivative of the z-Component of the spin operator is 0. Can that be?
 
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  • #2
It would mean that the B-Field is not really homogenous as the z-axis is the only axis with a non-time-dependent expectation value? I'm totally lost here, any help would be appreciated!
 

1. What is spin dynamics?

Spin dynamics refers to the behavior and interactions of subatomic particles, specifically their spin properties, within a magnetic field. It is a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics and plays a crucial role in various fields such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

2. What is Larmor precession?

Larmor precession is the phenomenon in which the spin of a particle, such as an electron or proton, rotates or precesses around an external magnetic field at a specific frequency known as the Larmor frequency. This precession is caused by the torque exerted on the spin by the magnetic field.

3. What factors influence spin dynamics and Larmor precession?

The strength and direction of the external magnetic field, the type of particle and its spin properties, and the presence of any nearby magnetic or electric fields can all influence spin dynamics and Larmor precession.

4. How is spin dynamics and Larmor precession used in NMR and MRI?

In NMR and MRI, the precession of spins in a magnetic field is used to gather information about the structure and chemical composition of molecules and tissues. By applying radiofrequency pulses and measuring the resulting signals, NMR and MRI machines can create detailed images or spectra.

5. What are some real-world applications of spin dynamics and Larmor precession?

Besides NMR and MRI, spin dynamics and Larmor precession have various applications in fields such as materials science, quantum computing, and particle physics. They are also used in devices like gyroscopes, which use spin precession to measure rotation, and magnetometers, which use spin precession to detect magnetic fields.

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