Tensor Product of Pauli Matrices

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the matrix elements of the tensor product of Pauli matrices, specifically \(\sigma_2 \otimes \eta_1\), in a four-dimensional tensor product space defined by specific basis states. The relevant equation \(\sigma_a \sigma_b = \delta_{ab} + i\epsilon_{abc}\sigma_c\) is crucial for understanding the properties of the Pauli matrices. The user attempts to clarify the process of using matrices from different spaces and how to apply the defined basis to compute the matrix elements effectively. The solution involves representing \(\sigma_2\) and \(\eta_1\) in their respective bases before taking their tensor product.

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  • Understanding of Pauli matrices and their properties
  • Familiarity with tensor products in linear algebra
  • Knowledge of basis transformations in vector spaces
  • Basic concepts of quantum mechanics related to state vectors
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Homework Statement


Suppose that [tex][\sigma_a]_{ij}[/tex] and [tex][\eta_a]_{xy}[/tex] are Pauli matrices in two different two dimensional spaces. In the four dimensional tensor product space, define the basis:
[tex]|1\rangle=|i=1\rangle|x=1\rangle[/tex]
[tex]|2\rangle=|i=1\rangle|x=2\rangle[/tex]
[tex]|3\rangle=|i=2\rangle|x=1\rangle[/tex]
[tex]|4\rangle=|i=2\rangle|x=2\rangle[/tex]
Write out the matrix elements of [tex]\sigma_2\otimes\eta_1[/tex]

Homework Equations


[tex]\sigma_a\sigma_b=\delta_{ab} + i\epsilon_{abc}\sigma_c[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that that [tex]\sigma_2\otimes\sigma_1=\begin{bmatrix}0&0&0&-i\\0&0&-i&0\\0&i&0&0\\i&0&0&0\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
And [tex]\langle i,x| \sigma_2\otimes\eta_1|j,y\rangle = \langle i| \sigma_2|j\rangle \langle x| \eta_1|y\rangle[/tex]
I'm just confused about the matrices being in different spaces, how do I use the defined basis to calculate the matrix elements? I suspect I need the formula given as a relevant equation, but how can I use it with matrices in different spaces.
I'm doing self study with Georgi - Lie Algebras.
 
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Here's what I'm thinking: We have two matrices A and B that represent linear transformations f and g in two spaces U and V with basis (u, u') and (v, v'), respectively. The tensor product space U otimes V will have as a basis (uv, uv', u'v, u'v') and A otimes B will be the matrix representation of f otimes g with the aforementioned basis.

So represenet sigma_2 with respect to (|i=1>, |i=2>) and then eta_1 with respect to (|x=1>, |x=2>) and take their tensor product.

I'm no expert on this though. Caveat emptor.
 

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