Is there a typo in this vector wave-function transformation?

In summary, the conversation discusses a possible typo in the transformation formula for a vector wave-function, and concludes that the correct formula should be J=L+S instead of J=L. Additionally, it is mentioned that S is responsible for rotating the vector, while L rotates the coordinates. There is also a mention of S being the spin matrix, but this is questioned due to its diagonal nature in this basis.
  • #1
RedX
970
3
[tex]\left(\begin{array}{cc}\grave{\psi_{x}}\\\grave{\psi_{y}}\end{array}\right)=(\left(\begin{array}{cc}1 & 0\\0 & 1\end{array}\right)-\frac{ie_{z}}{h}\left(\begin{array}{cc}L_{z} & 0\\0 & L_{z}\end{array}\right)-\frac{ie_{z}}{h}\left(\begin{array}{cc}0 & -ih\\ih & 0\end{array}\right))\left(\begin{array}{cc}\psi_{x}\\\psi_{y}\end{array}\right)[/tex]

According to my book, the right hand side rotates a vector wave-function (psi_x and psi_y are both scalar functions of x and y) counterclockwise about the z axis by e_z. It seems to me that this must be a typo, and that instead, if you combine the first two matrices into a single operator L, and call the last matrix the operator S, then the transformation should be given by: J=L+SL, instead of J=L+S. I'm confused. thnx
 
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  • #2
Yes it is a typo. Arguments are the following...
1. Since Lz is responsible for the rotation so second term must contain Lz.
2.It is a simple transformation which can be written as...
z`=z
x'=xcos(theta)+ysin(theta)
y'=-xsin(theta)+y cos(theta)
Now we are dealing with Q.M. where angular momentum is the generator of rotation. The cos and sine are replaced by Lz operators.
>>> so the correct one is replace hbar within the second matrix by Lz .
 
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  • #3
Actually, after rereading the problem, it is correct, to a first approximation in e_z, which is all that matters anyway for infinitismal operations.

L is the generator of infinitismal rotatation for scalar wave functions, but for vector wave functions, you need J=L+S, where S rotates the vector (and L rotates the coordinates) and is the spin matrix.

Although I don't understand how S in this example could be the spin matrix, as S_z should be diagonal in this basis.
 

FAQ: Is there a typo in this vector wave-function transformation?

What is a vector wave-function spin?

A vector wave-function spin is a mathematical representation of the spin angular momentum of a particle in quantum mechanics. It expresses the orientation of the particle's spin in terms of a vector quantity.

How is vector wave-function spin related to quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, particles have an intrinsic property called spin, which is related to their angular momentum. Vector wave-function spin is used to describe the spin state of particles and is an essential concept in understanding quantum mechanical systems.

What is the difference between spin and vector wave-function spin?

Spin is an intrinsic property of particles, while vector wave-function spin is a mathematical representation of this property. Spin is a quantum number that describes the orientation of a particle's intrinsic angular momentum, while vector wave-function spin is a vector quantity that expresses this orientation in three dimensions.

What are the applications of vector wave-function spin?

Vector wave-function spin is used in various areas of physics, such as quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, and nuclear physics. It is also utilized in technology, such as in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic data storage devices.

How is vector wave-function spin measured?

Vector wave-function spin is measured using various experimental techniques, such as Stern-Gerlach experiments, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. These techniques involve applying external fields and observing the resulting spin orientation of particles.

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