What Are the Eigenvalues and Degeneracies in Spin and Degeneracy Calculations?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating eigenvalues and degeneracies in spin and degeneracy calculations for a system with nuclear spins I1=I2=1/2 and total spin S=1/2. Key equations include the Hamiltonian H = a(S·I1 + S·I2) and the relationships for total angular momentum J = S + I. The eigenvalues for I2 are ħ²I(I+1) with degeneracies of d=3 for I=1 and d=1 for I=0, while for J2, the eigenvalues are ħ²J(J+1) with degeneracies of d=6 for J=1/2 and d=2 for J=3/2. The discussion also addresses the calculation of degeneracies for I² and the formation of a complete set of commuting observables (CSCO).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics concepts, specifically angular momentum.
  • Familiarity with eigenvalue problems in quantum systems.
  • Knowledge of Hamiltonians and their role in quantum mechanics.
  • Experience with calculating degeneracies in quantum states.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the addition of angular momentum in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the implications of the Hamiltonian in quantum systems.
  • Research the concept of complete sets of commuting observables (CSCO).
  • Explore the calculation of eigenvalues and degeneracies in multi-particle systems.
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Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those focusing on angular momentum, spin systems, and quantum state calculations.

Nico045
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Homework Statement



S=1/2
I1=I2=1/2 (nuclear spin)

I=I1+I2
J=S+I

Homework Equations



H= a S . I1 + a S.I2

The Attempt at a Solution



A) Find the values of I, the eigenvalues of I2, their degree of degeneracy and show that [H,I2]=0Using momentum addition I get
I = 0 or 1
I2 has for eigenvalues : ħ2I(I+1)

degree of degeneracy :
for I=1 ==> d=3
for I=0 ==> d=1[H,I2]= [H, I1²] +[H,I2²] + 2 [H,I1I2] = [H, I1²] +[H,I2²]+ 2 I1 [H,I2] + 2 I2 [H,I1]

H= a S . I1 + a S.I2

I don't see how to calculate this since we have S.In


B) Find the values of J, the eigenvalues of J2, their degree of degeneracy and show that [H,J2]=0

J=S+I , it gives 2 values :
J= 1/2 { 1-1/2 // 0+1/2 }
J= 3/2 { 1+1/2 }
J2 has for eigenvalues : ħ2J(J+1)

degree of degeneracy :
J=1/2 ==> d=6
J=3/2 ==> d=2

[H,J2]= [H, I2] + [H,S2] + 2 [H,I.S]
same problemC) Find the eigenvalues of H= a ( S . I1 + S.I2) and their degeneracyI guess I have to use J2 :

S.I = S.I1 + S.I2 = 1/2 ( J^2 -S^2 -I^2 )

and the eigenvalues of H are : a * ħ2/2 ( J(J+1) - S(S+1) - I(I+1) )I am not sure to know how degeneracy is calculated for example : in (A) d(I) = 4 so d( I²) = 16 ?D) is {J2, J2z} forming a CSCO ? What about {I2,J2, J2z} ?

This concept isn't very clear to me.
 
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I managed to solve a few things but the remaining problem is about degeneracy :

for I1 = I2 = 1/2
I=I1+I2

what are the degeneracies for I² ?
for I we have (2I1+1)*(2I2+1) = 2*2 = 4
but for I² is it just d(I) * d(I) = 16 ?
 

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