What Are the Possible Measurements of the X-Component of Angular Momentum?

[noospace]

This problem was inspired by my thread in the quantum physics room
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=181778

Homework Statement

Suppose the wavefunction is \psi = aY_{00} + bY_{10}, where Y_{lm} are the spherical harmonics. I want to find the possible measurements of the x-component of angular momentum.

The Attempt at a Solution

Since the operators L_x and \mathbf{L}^2 do not commute (ie there is uncertainty relation between them), the operator L_x has a different set of eigenfunctions than \mathbf{L}^2, so we must express \psi in terms of its eigenfunctions. To do this, we presumably solve the eigenvalue equation

L_x |X\rangle = \lambda |X\rangle

where |X> are the yet to be determined eigenfunctions. If we let |X\rangle = \sum_{l,m} a_{lm} |Y_{lm}\rangle then we get an infinite matrix equation and an infinite number of eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors. Only a small subset of these will be necessary to generate the originial function \psi. So how do we know what restriction to place on the test function |X\rangle for general operators? Is it just clever thinking or is there a systematic approach?

 

[dextercioby]

What do you mean by "possible measurements" ? I guess you mean "possible outcomes" of L_{x} measurements. If so, then i suggest you reread the 3-rd postulate. What does it say ?

 

[noospace]

Hi dextercioby,

I don't see what L_x being a Hermitian operator has to do with my question.

The postulate I'm using here is that the eigenfunctions of L_x form a complete set so that we can express the wavefunction as a linear combination of these eigenfunctions. I understand that to do this we must obtain the eigenfunctions of L_x in terms of the spherical harmonics. But how do we do this without solving infinite matrix equations?

 

[genneth]

If you regard finding a Fourier series as solving "infinite matrix equations" then you can't. Understanding how the formula for Fourier coefficients come about will help you see what is needed. Symmetry will help you to rule out the obviously zero coefficients. The rest might fall into place. Try it.

Edit: actually, ignore this. See below.

 

[genneth]

Btw, L_x and L^2 do commute...

 

[noospace]

I understand how do do this now. Here it is for future use.

A sensible choice for the test function is |X> = aY_{00} + bY_{11}+ cY_{10} + dY_{1(-1)} because the L_x operator can only change the value of the quantum number m and not the l number. If you plug this test function into the eigenvalue equation L_x | X \rangle = \lambda | X \rangle you immediately see that a=0. You then get a 3 x 3 matrix equation

A (b,c,d)^T = (0,0,0)^T.

Nontrivial solutions iff det A = 0 from which you can deduce the eigenvalues 0,\hbar,-\hbar and the corresponding eigenvectors. Rewritting the original wavefunction in terms of these eigenfunctions gives the allowable states.

Note also that if the eigenfunctions of two operators coincide, this implies that they commute, but the converse need not be true.