Spin-Orbit Interaction - Meaning and Some Mathematics

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The discussion centers on the concept of spin-orbit interaction in quantum physics, specifically questioning whether it refers to the energy associated with this interaction. Participants clarify that inquiries about spin-orbit interaction typically pertain to its strength or magnitude, which relates to energy level splitting. There is a consensus that the terminology used in these questions can be imprecise and could be articulated more clearly. Additionally, a request for reliable resources on spin-orbit interaction is made, with a suggested link to HyperPhysics for further information. Understanding spin-orbit interaction is crucial for grasping its implications in quantum mechanics.
Sunnyocean
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Hi,

In many quantum physics books I see questions such as "what is the spin-orbit interaction in this case?" Sorry if this seems like a dumb question, but what do they mean by this? Do they mean the ENERGY of the spin-orbit interaction or something else?

Also, could anyone give (or write a weblink for) the spin-orbit interaction? I searched a few books and online lecture notes from various universities, but I couldn't find anything conclusive.
 
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Sunnyocean said:
In many quantum physics books I see questions such as "what is the spin-orbit interaction in this case?" Sorry if this seems like a dumb question, but what do they mean by this? Do they mean the ENERGY of the spin-orbit interaction or something else?
These questions are basically asking for the strength or magnitude of the interaction, which indeed corresponds to the energy splitting of the levels. It is indeed sloppy language, and the questions could be better formulated.

Sunnyocean said:
Also, could anyone give (or write a weblink for) the spin-orbit interaction? I searched a few books and online lecture notes from various universities, but I couldn't find anything conclusive.

Check out http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/hydfin.html
 

Thread 'Two equivalent statements of time reversal symmetric Hamiltonian'

Time reversal invariant Hamiltonians must satisfy ##[H,\Theta]=0## where ##\Theta## is time reversal operator. However, in some texts (for example see Many-body Quantum Theory in Condensed Matter Physics an introduction, HENRIK BRUUS and KARSTEN FLENSBERG, Corrected version: 14 January 2016, section 7.1.4) the time reversal invariant condition is introduced as ##H=H^*##. How these two conditions are identical?
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