Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

The Journal of Chemical Physics

Exact computation and large angular momentum asymptotics of 3nj symbols: Semiclassical disentangling of spin networks

Roger W. Anderson, Vincenz̊o Aquilanti, Cristiane da Silva Ferreira

Published Oct 23, 2008• 29 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Spin networks, namely, the 3nj symbols of quantum angular momentum theory and their generalizations to groups other than SU(2) and to quantum groups, permeate many areas of pure and applied science. The issues of their computation and characterization for large values of their entries are a challenge for diverse fields, such as spectroscopy and quantum chemistry, molecular and condensed matter physics, quantum computing, and the geometry of space time. Here we record progress both in their efficient calculation and in the study of the large j asymptotics. For the 9j symbol, a prototypical entangled network, we present and extensively check numerically formulas that illustrate the passage to the semiclassical limit, manifesting both the occurrence of disentangling and the discrete-continuum transition.

DOI
10.1063/1.3000578

Related papers

Quantum and semiclassical spin networks: from atomic and molecular physics to quantum computing and gravity

Vincenzo Aquilanti, Ana Carla P Bitencourt, Cristiane da S Ferreira +2 more

The mathematical apparatus of quantum-mechanical angular momentum (re)coupling, developed originally to describe spectroscopic phenomena in atomic, molecular, optical and nuclear physics, is embedded in modern algebraic settings which emphasize the underlying combinatorial aspects. SU (2) recoupling theory, involving Wigner's 3 nj symbols, as well as the related problems of their calculations, general properties, asymptotic limits for large entries, nowadays plays a prominent role also in quantum gravity and quantum computing applications. We refer to the ingredients of this theory—and of its extension to other Lie and quantum groups—by using the collective term of 'spin networks'. Recent progress is recorded about the already established connections with the mathematical theory of discrete orthogonal polynomials (the so-called Askey scheme), providing powerful tools based on asymptotic expansions, which correspond on the physical side to various levels of semi-classical limits. These results are useful not only in theoretical molecular physics but also in motivating algorithms for the computationally demanding problems of molecular dynamics and chemical reaction theory, where large angular momenta are typically involved. As for quantum chemistry, applications of these techniques include selection and classification of complete orthogonal basis sets in atomic and molecular problems, either in configuration space (Sturmian orbitals) or in momentum space. In this paper, we list and discuss some aspects of these developments—such as for instance the hyperquantization algorithm—as well as a few applications to quantum gravity and topology, thus providing evidence of a unifying background structure.

arXiv:0901.1074•Physica Scripta•Nov 1, 2008•38 citations

Computing Spin Networks

Annalisa Marzuoli, Mario Rasetti

We expand a set of notions recently introduced providing the general setting for a universal representation of the quantum structure on which quantum information stands. The dynamical evolution process associated with generic quantum information manipulation is based on the (re)coupling theory of SU(2) angular momenta. Such scheme automatically incorporates all the essential features that make quantum information encoding much more efficient than classical: it is fully discrete; it deals with inherently entangled states, naturally endowed with a tensor product structure; it allows for generic encoding patterns. The model proposed can be thought of as the non-Boolean generalization of the quantum circuit model, with unitary gates expressed in terms of 3nj coefficients connecting inequivalent binary coupling schemes of n+1 angular momentum variables, as well as Wigner rotations in the eigenspace of the total angular momentum. A crucial role is played by elementary j-gates (6j symbols) which satisfy algebraic identities that make the structure of the model similar to "state sum models", employed in discretizing Topological Quantum Field Theories and quantum gravity. The spin network simulator can thus be viewed also as a Combinatorial QFT model for computation. The semiclassical limit (large j's) is discussed.

•Jan 1, 2004•46 citations

Semiclassical analysis of Wigner 3j-symbol

Vincenzo Aquilanti, Hal M. Haggard, Robert G Littlejohn +1 more

We analyze the asymptotics of the Wigner $3j$-symbol as a matrix element connecting eigenfunctions of a pair of integrable systems, obtained by lifting the problem of the addition of angular momenta into the space of Schwinger's oscillators. A novel element is the appearance of compact Lagrangian manifolds that are not tori, due to the fact that the observables defining the quantum states are noncommuting. These manifolds can be quantized by generalized Bohr-Sommerfeld rules and yield all the correct quantum numbers. The geometry of the classical angular momentum vectors emerges in a clear manner. Efficient methods for computing amplitude determinants in terms of Poisson brackets are developed and illustrated.

arXiv:quant-ph/0703104•Journal of Physics A Mathematical and Theoretical•May 8, 2007•48 citations

Quasiclassical and Quantum Systems of Angular Momentum. Part I. Group Algebras as a Framework for Quantum-Mechanical Models with Symmetries

Jan Jerzy Sławianowski, Vasyl Kovalchuk, Agnieszka Martens +2 more

We use the mathematical structure of group algebras and $H^{+}$-algebras for describing certain problems concerning the quantum dynamics of systems of angular momenta, including also the spin systems. The underlying groups are ${\rm SU}(2)$ and its quotient ${\rm SO}(3,\mathbb{R})$. The scheme developed is applied in two different contexts. Firstly, the purely group-algebraic framework is applied to the system of angular momenta of arbitrary origin, e.g., orbital angular momenta of electrons and nucleons, systems of quantized angular momenta of rotating extended objects like molecules. The other promising area of applications is Schrödinger quantum mechanics of rigid body with its often rather unexpected and very interesting features. Even within this Schrödinger framework the algebras of operators related to group algebras are a very useful tool. We investigate some problems of composed systems and the quasiclassical limit obtained as the asymptotics of "large" quantum numbers, i.e., "quickly oscillating" functions on groups. They are related in an interesting way to geometry of the coadjoint orbits of ${\rm SU}(2)$.

arXiv:1007.4121•Jul 23, 2010•4 citations

Coupling of quantum angular momenta: an insight into analogic/discrete and local/global models of computation,

Marzuoli, A., Mario Rasetti

In the past few years there has been a tumultuous activity aimed at introducing novel conceptual schemes for quantum computing. The approach proposed in (Marzuoli and Rasetti, 2002, 2005a) relies on the (re)coupling theory of SU(2) angular momenta and can be viewed as a generalization to arbitrary values of the spin variables of the usual quantum-circuit model based on 'qubits' and Boolean gates. Computational states belong to finite-dimensional Hilbert spaces labelled by both discrete and continuous parameters, and unitary gates may depend on quantum numbers ranging over finite sets of values as well as continuous (angular) variables. Such a framework is an ideal playground to discuss discrete (digital) and analogic computational processes, together with their relationships occurring when a consistent semiclassical limit takes place on discrete quantum gates. When working with purely discrete unitary gates, the simulator is naturally modelled as families of quantum finite states-machines which in turn represent discrete versions of topological quantum computation models. We argue that our model embodies a sort of unifying paradigm for computing inspired by Nature and, even more ambitiously, a universal setting in which suitably encoded quantum symbolic manipulations of combinatorial, topological and algebraic problems might find their 'natural' computational reference model.

•Jan 1, 2006•3 citations

Quasiclassical and Quantum Systems of Angular Momentum. Part III. Group Algebra of ${\rm SU}(2)$, Quantum Angular Momentum and Quasiclassical Asymptotics

Jan Jerzy Sławianowski, Vasyl Kovalchuk, Agnieszka Martens +2 more

This is the third part of our series "Quasiclassical and Quantum Systems of Angular Momentum". In two previous parts we have discussed the methods of group algebras in formulation of quantum mechanics and certain quasiclassical problems. Below we specify to the special case of the group ${\rm SU}(2)$ and its quotient ${\rm SO}(3,\mathbb{R})$, and discuss just our main subject in this series, i.e., angular momentum problems. To be more precise, this is the purely ${\rm SU}(2)$-treatment, so formally this might also apply to isospin. However. it is rather hard to imagine realistic quasiclassical isospin problems.

arXiv:1008.3074•Aug 18, 2010•0 citations
Spin networks, namely, the 3nj symbols of quantum angular momentum theory and their generalizations to groups other than SU(2) and to quantum groups, permeate many areas of pure and applied science. The issues of their computation and characterization for large values of their entries are a challenge for diverse fields, such as spectroscopy and quantum chemistry, molecular and condensed matter physics, quantum computing, and the geometry of space time. Here we record progress both in their efficient calculation and in the study of the large j asymptotics. For the 9j symbol, a prototypical entangled network, we present and extensively check numerically formulas that illustrate the passage to the semiclassical limit, manifesting both the occurrence of disentangling and the discrete-continuum transition.
The mathematical apparatus of quantum-mechanical angular momentum (re)coupling, developed originally to describe spectroscopic phenomena in atomic, molecular, optical and nuclear physics, is embedded in modern algebraic settings which emphasize the underlying combinatorial aspects. SU (2) recoupling theory, involving Wigner's 3 nj symbols, as well as the related problems of their calculations, general properties, asymptotic limits for large entries, nowadays plays a prominent role also in quantum gravity and quantum computing applications. We refer to the ingredients of this theory—and of its extension to other Lie and quantum groups—by using the collective term of 'spin networks'. Recent progress is recorded about the already established connections with the mathematical theory of discrete orthogonal polynomials (the so-called Askey scheme), providing powerful tools based on asymptotic expansions, which correspond on the physical side to various levels of semi-classical limits. These results are useful not only in theoretical molecular physics but also in motivating algorithms for the computationally demanding problems of molecular dynamics and chemical reaction theory, where large angular momenta are typically involved. As for quantum chemistry, applications of these techniques include selection and classification of complete orthogonal basis sets in atomic and molecular problems, either in configuration space (Sturmian orbitals) or in momentum space. In this paper, we list and discuss some aspects of these developments—such as for instance the hyperquantization algorithm—as well as a few applications to quantum gravity and topology, thus providing evidence of a unifying background structure.
We expand a set of notions recently introduced providing the general setting for a universal representation of the quantum structure on which quantum information stands. The dynamical evolution process associated with generic quantum information manipulation is based on the (re)coupling theory of SU(2) angular momenta. Such scheme automatically incorporates all the essential features that make quantum information encoding much more efficient than classical: it is fully discrete; it deals with inherently entangled states, naturally endowed with a tensor product structure; it allows for generic encoding patterns. The model proposed can be thought of as the non-Boolean generalization of the quantum circuit model, with unitary gates expressed in terms of 3nj coefficients connecting inequivalent binary coupling schemes of n+1 angular momentum variables, as well as Wigner rotations in the eigenspace of the total angular momentum. A crucial role is played by elementary j-gates (6j symbols) which satisfy algebraic identities that make the structure of the model similar to "state sum models", employed in discretizing Topological Quantum Field Theories and quantum gravity. The spin network simulator can thus be viewed also as a Combinatorial QFT model for computation. The semiclassical limit (large j's) is discussed.
We analyze the asymptotics of the Wigner 3j3j3j-symbol as a matrix element connecting eigenfunctions of a pair of integrable systems, obtained by lifting the problem of the addition of angular momenta into the space of Schwinger's oscillators. A novel element is the appearance of compact Lagrangian manifolds that are not tori, due to the fact that the observables defining the quantum states are noncommuting. These manifolds can be quantized by generalized Bohr-Sommerfeld rules and yield all the correct quantum numbers. The geometry of the classical angular momentum vectors emerges in a clear manner. Efficient methods for computing amplitude determinants in terms of Poisson brackets are developed and illustrated.
We use the mathematical structure of group algebras and H+H^{+}H+-algebras for describing certain problems concerning the quantum dynamics of systems of angular momenta, including also the spin systems. The underlying groups are SU(2){\rm SU}(2)SU(2) and its quotient SO(3,R){\rm SO}(3,\mathbb{R})SO(3,R). The scheme developed is applied in two different contexts. Firstly, the purely group-algebraic framework is applied to the system of angular momenta of arbitrary origin, e.g., orbital angular momenta of electrons and nucleons, systems of quantized angular momenta of rotating extended objects like molecules. The other promising area of applications is Schrödinger quantum mechanics of rigid body with its often rather unexpected and very interesting features. Even within this Schrödinger framework the algebras of operators related to group algebras are a very useful tool. We investigate some problems of composed systems and the quasiclassical limit obtained as the asymptotics of "large" quantum numbers, i.e., "quickly oscillating" functions on groups. They are related in an interesting way to geometry of the coadjoint orbits of SU(2){\rm SU}(2)SU(2).
In the past few years there has been a tumultuous activity aimed at introducing novel conceptual schemes for quantum computing. The approach proposed in (Marzuoli and Rasetti, 2002, 2005a) relies on the (re)coupling theory of SU(2) angular momenta and can be viewed as a generalization to arbitrary values of the spin variables of the usual quantum-circuit model based on 'qubits' and Boolean gates. Computational states belong to finite-dimensional Hilbert spaces labelled by both discrete and continuous parameters, and unitary gates may depend on quantum numbers ranging over finite sets of values as well as continuous (angular) variables. Such a framework is an ideal playground to discuss discrete (digital) and analogic computational processes, together with their relationships occurring when a consistent semiclassical limit takes place on discrete quantum gates. When working with purely discrete unitary gates, the simulator is naturally modelled as families of quantum finite states-machines which in turn represent discrete versions of topological quantum computation models. We argue that our model embodies a sort of unifying paradigm for computing inspired by Nature and, even more ambitiously, a universal setting in which suitably encoded quantum symbolic manipulations of combinatorial, topological and algebraic problems might find their 'natural' computational reference model.
Quasiclassical and Quantum Systems of Angular Momentum. Part III. Group Algebra of SU(2){\rm SU}(2)SU(2), Quantum Angular Momentum and Quasiclassical Asymptotics
This is the third part of our series "Quasiclassical and Quantum Systems of Angular Momentum". In two previous parts we have discussed the methods of group algebras in formulation of quantum mechanics and certain quasiclassical problems. Below we specify to the special case of the group SU(2){\rm SU}(2)SU(2) and its quotient SO(3,R){\rm SO}(3,\mathbb{R})SO(3,R), and discuss just our main subject in this series, i.e., angular momentum problems. To be more precise, this is the purely SU(2){\rm SU}(2)SU(2)-treatment, so formally this might also apply to isospin. However. it is rather hard to imagine realistic quasiclassical isospin problems.