Angular momentum III Eigenfunctions Using Operator Algebra

I. Gottlieb, Cleopatra Mociutchi

K. Alder, Aage Winther

D. Sourias, A. D. Jannussis, A. Streclas

In this paper we study the Wigner operators of angular momentum in the phase space, which are obtained from the well-known operators of angular momentum by virtue of Wigner representation. In the sequel we construct the Lie algebra of these operators, as well as the corresponding Lie group, and we examine two representations of this group. We find also the eigenfunction and the eigenvalues of these operators.

Alvin Meckler

Ana Marı́a Cetto, Luis de la Peña

Chapter 11 is devoted to the quantum theory of angular momentum. As in classical mechanics, working with angular momentum requires leaving the one-dimensional space, with all the complications that this entails. The importance of angular momentum resides in at least three facts: i) central problems are of particular interest; (ii) many particles have an intrinsic angular momentum (the spin); and iii) the physics of angular momentum involves features such as the so-called space quantization. The first part of the chapter deals with the orbital angular momentum and its eigenfunctions, the spherical harmonics. Its algebraic properties, embodied in the matrix representation, allow for an extension of the theory to half-integer angular momentum in terms of Pauli matrices, as well as the addition of angular momenta.