SU(2) symmetric/antisymmetric combination using young tableaux

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around constructing symmetric and antisymmetric combinations of states for SU(2) using Young tableaux. Participants explore the decomposition of states for three spin-half particles and the implications of different combinations in terms of irreducible representations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about constructing symmetric and antisymmetric combinations, particularly regarding the decomposition of three spin-half particles into irreducible representations.
  • The participant proposes a method for combining states using Young tableaux, suggesting that the symmetric combination leads to specific non-vanishing indices.
  • Another participant questions the nomenclature used, specifically regarding the notation for symmetric combinations and the validity of the proposed equations.
  • There is a correction from the first participant acknowledging mistakes in their initial calculations but still seeking clarification on the topic.
  • A further inquiry is made about the relationship between totally symmetric Young tableaux and the proposed equations involving anti-commutators.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct formulation of the symmetric and antisymmetric combinations, and there are multiple competing views regarding the validity of the proposed equations and their interpretations.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions and assumptions underlying the use of Young tableaux in this context, as well as the mathematical steps involved in the calculations presented.

hjlim
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I am pretty confused about how to construct states to make symmetric / anti-symmetric combination so I would like to ask some questions.

For example, for SU(2), states of three spin-half particles can be decomposed as 2 x 2 x 2 = 4 + 2 + 2, 3 irreducible combination with dim 4, 2, 2.

-if I combine three boxes in a row(in young tableaux), making a total symmetric combination,
then [[a, b], c] = (ab + ba) c + c (ab + ba) = abc + bac + bac + cba (right?) (here the large bracket represents symmetric index)
And there should be four in general non-vanishing independent index: 111, 112=211, 221=122, 222(right?)
But as I see, [[1,1],2] != [[1,2],1] for [[1,1],2] = 112 + 112 + 211 + 211 while [[1,2],1] = 121 + 211 + 112 + 121 and [[2,2],1] != [[1,2],2] for similar reason. (it's because c is symmetric only with [a, b], not with the individual a and b). So there seems to be six non-vanishing index.
I wonder what is wrong with my calculation.

-And as I understand, [{a, b}, c] = (ab - ba) c + c(ab - ba) can have two non-vanishing index:
[{1, 2}, 1], [{1, 2}, 2]
And for {[a, b], c} = (ab + ba) c - c (ab + ba), there are two independent non-vanishing index:
{[1,1],2}, {[2,2],1} (or equivalently {[1,2],2})
Is this correct?

-And if I calculate {[1,1],2} of |+>|->|+>, it's 0. But as I calculated directly using CG table, |+>|->|+> is a part of the state whose {[1,1],2} only is 1. So I guess it shouldn't be zero. Is something wrong with this?

Actually there are many other things I get confused but first I would like to know these and then figure out the next.

Thank you very much.
 
Last edited:
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You wrote:
-if I combine three boxes in a row(in young tableaux), making a total symmetric combination,
then [[a, b], c] = (ab + ba) c + c (ab + ba) = abc + bac + bac + bca (right?)

First you should explain your nomenclature. The brackets, are they anti-commutators?
Why should a totally symmetric representation have the form of the multiple anti-commutators in the form given by you? I also don't understand the right hand side of your equation. I get
abc+bac+cab+cba, so the c never stands in the middle position. Hence it cannot be a totally symmetric combination.
 
You are right. They are my mistakes and I corrected them. But I still don't understand. I'll really appreciate if u can give me some hints.
 
Hm, but you still did not explain why you think that a totally symmetric Young tableaux should have to do anything with [[a, b], c].
 

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