Why do QM particles with l<S vanish in a classical radiation field?

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The discussion focuses on the behavior of quantum mechanical particles with integer spin S in a classical radiation field, specifically addressing why multipole moments with l PREREQUISITES

  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically integer spin particles.
  • Familiarity with classical radiation fields and their properties.
  • Knowledge of spherical harmonics and multipole moments.
  • Basic concepts of electromagnetic and gravitational forces.
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  • Research the properties of spherical harmonics in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the role of multipole moments in classical radiation theory.
  • Study the implications of spin on the degrees of freedom in quantum fields.
  • Investigate the relationship between long-range forces and their mediating particles, specifically photons and gravitons.
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This discussion is beneficial for physicists, quantum mechanics researchers, and students studying the interactions of quantum particles in classical fields.

Sourabh N
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Off pg 977 MTW Gravitation :

Consider a classical radiation field whose associated quantum mechanical particles have integer spin S, and zero rest mass. Resolve that radiation field into spherical harmonics - i.e. into multipole moments. all components with l<S will vanish; in general those with l>=S will remain; and this is independent of the nature of the source!

Can anyone reason me why l<S would vanish?
 
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The polarization or the multi pole moment of a radiation field is given by the number of degrees of freedom the field is capable of oscillating in. When the field is quantized the these degrees of freedom are identified with spin of the particle.

The long ranged forces EM and gravitation are dipole and quadrapole respectively. Correspond to to the fact that they are mediated by photons(spin 1) and gravitons(spin 2) particles.
 

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