Abstract In this chapter we introduce the concept of orbital angular momentum into the mathematical language of quantum mechanics. We discuss the commutation relations of the corresponding operators and their roles as generators of rotations in the context of the theory of Lie groups and Lie algebras, focusing on the three-dimensional rotation group SO(3). We further examine how scalar and vector-valued operators transform under spatial rotations. We then turn to the derivation of the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of the angular-momentum operators, for which we follow a dual approach in analogy to that employed for the harmonic oscillator in Chapter 5. Using both the algebraic ladder-operator method and an analytical method using spherical polar coordinates we discover the relevant azimuthal and magnetic quantum numbers and their relation to the spherical harmonics and the Legendre polynomials
Abstract In this chapter we introduce the concept of orbital angular momentum into the mathematical language of quantum mechanics. We discuss the commutation relations of the corresponding operators and their roles as generators of rotations in the context of the theory of Lie groups and Lie algebras, focusing on the three-dimensional rotation group SO(3). We further examine how scalar and vector-valued operators transform under spatial rotations. We then turn to the derivation of the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of the angular-momentum operators, for which we follow a dual approach in analogy to that employed for the harmonic oscillator in Chapter 5. Using both the algebraic ladder-operator method and an analytical method using spherical polar coordinates we discover the relevant azimuthal and magnetic quantum numbers and their relation to the spherical harmonics and the Legendre polynomials
Angular momentum theory provides a mathematical foundation for the rotation of the eigenvectors of the angular momentum operator, the spherical harmonics functions. A useful property of spherical harmonics is that their rotation in 3D space corresponds to rotation in the virtual space of their azimuthal degrees of freedom. In addition to that, spherical harmonics functions that have different orbital indices do not mix. Given that spherical harmonics functions have known rotation properties, and that any arbitrary function can be expanded in a series of spherical harmonics, this property allows the rotation of an electrostatic potential when it is expanded in the series of spherical harmonics. In this chapter, the exponential form of the rotation operator, the rotation matrix for a 3D rotation of the coordinate system, and the principles of rotation of vectors and functions are described. The chapter provides a detailed self-contained introduction to the theory of angular momentum, derives the commutative properties of the angular momentum operator, and explains shift operators, while minimizing references to quantum mechanics and entirely avoiding group theory.
Abstract This chapter treats rotations in three dimensions and the angular momentum quantum mechanically. The angular momentum is a 3-vector that plays the same role in the kinetic energy of rotating particles as the linear momentum 3-vector plays in the kinetic energy for translational motion. The quantum operator for the three components do not commute, i.e. the full vector cannot be known. Each component commutes with the operator for the square-length of the angular momentum vector, and therefore one opts for calculating the square-length and one of the components, z, referred to as the projection. The angular momentum is quantized. The (azimuthal) quantum number ℓ = 0,1,2,3… quantifies the square-length as ℓ(ℓ+1), and the projection is quantified by the (magnbetic) quantum number mℓ = -ℓ…ℓ in integer steps. The eigenfunctions are called spherical harmonics. A ‘rigid rotor’ model is set up to treat the rotational spectrum of a diatomic molecule.
The orbital angular momentum operator is defined and its commutation relations with the position and momentum operators, and generally with vector operators, are obtained; the relationship between the square of the momentum operator and the square of the orbital angular momentum is derived; the spectrum of the square and z-component of the orbital angular momentum is obtained by solving the Schröedinger equation near the origin; the radial equation is derived and the spherical harmonics are obtained as solutions of the associated Legendre equation.
The angular momentum plays an important role in quantum mechanics. It is no longer an ordinary vector, instead it is a vector operator, whose three components do not commute with each other. In quantum mechanics, the angular momentum becomes a vector operator. A general angular momentum is defined as a vector operator whose components are Hermitian operators satisfying the commutation relations similar to those for the orbital angular momentum. In order to obtain the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, it is more convenient to express the orbital angular momentum operators in spherical polar coordinates. Spin angular momentum is an intrinsic property of elementary particles. In quantum computing, a qubit or quantum bit is a quantum version of the classical binary bit physically realized in a two-state quantum-mechanical system.
The goal of Quantum Mechanics I, A Problem Text, is to enable students to solve problems appropriate to their first course in quantum mechanics. Significantly detailed solutions to traditionally posed problems dominate. Theory and rationale are addressed in prescript and postscript narratives and/or within the solved problems to guide students; and clarify vocabulary, symbology, and terminology. Applications of the postulates are presented initially using arguments from linear algebra appropriate to discrete systems with low-dimensional vectors and matrix operators, introducing orthogonality, orthonormality, Hermiticity, eigenvectors, eigenvalues, probability, expectation value, and degeneracy. These arguments blend into infinite-dimensional vectors and operators, and calculus-based arguments for continuous systems where delta functions, theta functions, and Fourier transforms are initially discussed. Dirac notation is fully developed within these first five chapters. Chapter six discusses Ehrenfest’s theorem, the Heisenberg uncertainty relations, and Gaussian wave functions and wave packets. Increasingly sophisticated potential energy functions are then treated to include the free particle, the infinite square well, the one-dimensional scattering state, the simple harmonic oscillator, the finite square well, orbital angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. Ladder operators are featured in the developments of the simple harmonic oscillator and orbital angular momentum. The diversity of narratives and detailed solutions intend
Angular momentum is one of the more abstract topics in quantum mechanics. This chapter begins with a review of classical angular momentum. Quantum-mechanical angular momentum is then introduced by obtaining operators from their classical counterparts. The commutation relations amongst those operators and the corresponding uncertainty relations then follow. Eigenstates and eigenvalues of the angular momentum operators are then introduced (but not derived). From these follow the raising and lowering operators. Physical meaning is imparted to quantum angular momentum by considering predictions for sequential measurements, and by comparing the conceptual pictures of angular momentum in classical and quantum mechanics. Finally, quantum spin and orbital angular momenta, and the deep differences between them, are discussed.