Quantum Mechanical Theory of the Spin Angular Momentum

K. Heyde, John L. Wood

Paul L. Corio

Hans-Peter Eckle

Abstract In order to prepare for the discussion of quantum many-particle Hamiltonians, for example the Heisenberg quantum spin chain Hamiltonian, this chapter examines the concept of angular momentum in quantum mechanics, especially the coupling of spin-2 operators for several quantum spins. It begins with the general theory of angular momentum for a single quantum particle, especially for a single spin-1, described by Pauli spin matrices, and then extends to the theory of angular momentum for several particles, again especially for several spins1.

Gennaro Auletta, Shang-Yung Wang

In this chapter we shall treat two of the most important observables of quantum mechanical systems: angular momentum and spin. We shall argue that angular momentum is the generator of rotations. In quantummechanics, angular momentum is quantized in units of the reduced Planck constant. The quantization of angular momentum is dealt with by finding the angular momentum eigenvalues and eigenstates. We shall then apply the theory of angular momentum to study the hydrogen atom. Spin is an intrinsic angular momentum of subatomic particles and therefore corresponds to an important intrinsic degree of freedom. We shall discuss briefly how spin was discovered and many of its important properties. Finally, we shall also explore here some further subtleties of quantum theory.a When we consider quantum systems in two or three spatial dimensions, we need to take into account also the effect of rotations. In this case, we need to introduce a physical quantity called the angular momentum, that is, themomentum induced by or connected with rotations. In classical physics the angular momentum of a particle about a given origin is defined by [see Fig. 8.1]

A Norcliffe

The classical and quantal theories of angular momentum and spin are related using the spherical top as a model. The quantum mechanical spectral operator kernel of the spherical top is evaluated and expressed exactly as a sum over classical paths of terms containing the classical action. A relation between corresponding values of the classical and quantal angular momentum is obtained which holds for all values of the angular momentum quantum number.