Wigner 3j symbol recursion relation

In summary, the conversation discusses a homework problem involving Wigner 3-j symbols and Clebsch-Gordan coefficients. The goal is to show a specific equation using these symbols and coefficients. The use of matrix form is suggested as a possible approach to solving the problem, and a hint is given to compute a related term without using the 3-j symbol.
  • #1
pstq
10
0
Hi all!

Homework Statement


I have to show:

[itex]\sqrt{(j \pm m ) (j \mp m+1} <j_1 j_2 m_1 m_2 | j_1 j_2 j m\mp 1 > = \sqrt{(j_1 \mp m_1 ) (j_1 \pm m_1+1} <j_1 j_2 m_1 \pm1, m_2 | j_1 j_2 j m > +\sqrt{(j_2 \mp m_2 ) (j_2 \pm m_2+1} <j_1 j_2 m_1 , m_2 \pm1 | j_1 j_2 j m > [/itex]


Homework Equations



Wigner 3-j symbols are related to Clebsch–Gordan coefficients through

[itex]\begin{pmatrix}
j_1 & j_2 & j_3\\
m_1 & m_2 & m_3
\end{pmatrix}
\equiv \frac{(-1)^{j_1-j_2-m_3}}{\sqrt{2j_3+1}} \langle j_1 m_1 j_2 m_2 | j_3 \, {-m_3} \rangle [/itex]

[itex]j_3=j, m_3=m [/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried to put each term [itex] <j_1 j_2 m_1 \pm1, m_2 | j_1 j_2 j m > [/itex] and [itex] <j_1 j_2 m_1 , m_2 \pm1 | j_1 j_2 j m > [/itex] on the matrix form , but I don't know how i can get the square roots, any idea?

thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
Do you even need the 3j symbol to do the problem? Hint: try to compute [itex]\langle j_1 j_2 m_1 m_2 | J_\mp | j_1 j_2 j m \rangle[/itex].
 
  • #3
Thanks!
 

1. What is the Wigner 3j symbol recursion relation?

The Wigner 3j symbol recursion relation is a mathematical formula used in quantum mechanics to calculate the coupling of three angular momenta. It is also known as the Racah formula, named after the physicist Giulio Racah who first derived it.

2. How is the Wigner 3j symbol recursion relation derived?

The Wigner 3j symbol recursion relation is derived using the theory of group representations. It involves the decomposition of a tensor product of two irreducible representations of the rotation group into a sum of irreducible representations.

3. What is the significance of the Wigner 3j symbol recursion relation?

The Wigner 3j symbol recursion relation is significant because it is a fundamental tool in quantum mechanics and is used in a variety of applications, such as calculating atomic and molecular spectra, nuclear structure, and quantum information processing.

4. Can the Wigner 3j symbol recursion relation be extended to higher dimensions?

Yes, the Wigner 3j symbol recursion relation can be extended to higher dimensions. In fact, there are generalizations of the formula for any number of angular momenta, known as the Wigner n-j symbol recursion relation.

5. Are there any limitations or assumptions to using the Wigner 3j symbol recursion relation?

One limitation of the Wigner 3j symbol recursion relation is that it assumes the quantum system is in a pure state. It also assumes that the angular momenta are independent and not affected by external forces. Additionally, it is only applicable to systems with spherical symmetry.

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