Understanding Spin States in Quantum Mechanics

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the representation of spin states in quantum mechanics, specifically the spin-up and spin-down states along arbitrary orientations. The states are defined using matrices, with |+> and |-> represented as |+\rangle = \left(\begin{matrix}1 \\ 0\end{matrix}\right) and |-\rangle = \left(\begin{matrix}0 \\ 1\end{matrix}\right). The discussion also clarifies the relationship between the angles θ and φ in defining spin states, particularly along the y direction, where |\pm_y\rangle = \dfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\left(\begin{matrix}1 \\ \pm i\end{matrix}\right) is derived. The importance of phase factors in quantum mechanics is emphasized, as they do not affect the physical state.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics terminology, specifically spin states.
  • Familiarity with matrix representation of quantum states.
  • Knowledge of angular parameters θ and φ in quantum mechanics.
  • Basic grasp of phase factors in quantum states.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical representation of quantum states using Dirac notation.
  • Explore the implications of phase factors in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the Bloch sphere representation of qubit states.
  • Investigate the differences in spin state representations across various quantum mechanics textbooks.
USEFUL FOR

Quantum mechanics students, physicists, and researchers interested in the mathematical foundations of spin states and their representations in quantum theory.

KFC
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If we choose the z direction as the orientation of the spin, then spin-up (|+>) and spin-down (|->) could be written as

[tex]|+\rangle = \left(\begin{matrix}1 \\ 0\end{matrix}\right)[/tex]
[tex]|-\rangle = \left(\begin{matrix}0 \\ 1\end{matrix}\right)[/tex]

From the textbook, if we consider aabritary orientation (n), the new state will be given

[tex]|+_n\rangle = \left(\begin{matrix}\cos(\theta/2) e^{-i\phi/2} \\ \sin(\theta/2) e^{i\phi/2}\end{matrix}\right)[/tex]

[tex]|-_n\rangle = \left(\begin{matrix}-\sin(\theta/2) e^{-i\phi/2} \\ \cos(\theta/2) e^{i\phi/2}\end{matrix}\right)[/tex]

Now, consider the orientation along y direction such that [tex]\theta=\pi/2, \phi=\pi/2[/tex], it will gives the spin-up and spin-down along y direction. However, in some other textbooks, the spin-up/down along y direction is


[tex]|\pm_y\rangle = \dfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\left(\begin{matrix}1 \\ \pm i\end{matrix}\right)[/tex]

But I cannot get this state if I start from [tex]\theta=\pi/2, \phi=\pi/2[/tex] ?
 
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How are the angles defined?
 
Sorry! I found what's going on now. Since the phase factor doesn't matter in QM, hence, it gives the same state by pulling the phase factor out. Sorry for bothering.
 

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