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

Wuli yu gongcheng.

THE HIDDEN SYMMETRY IN THE PROBLEM OF INVERSE-SQUARE LAW

Xiaojing Jin, Boyang LIU

Published Oct 1, 2024• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

In the problem of inverse-square force, there exists a hidden SO(4) symmetry, which is manifested as a conserved quantity the Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector in the classical Kepler problem, and as the degeneracy of hydrogen atom energy levels beyond the three-dimensional rotational symmetry in quantum mechanics. This paper presents a more intuitive representation of this hidden symmetry through geometric imagery. Additionally, the paper derives in detail the relevant formulas for the raising and lowering operators corresponding to this symmetry in quantum mechanics.

DOI
10.26599/phys.2024.9320514

Related papers

Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector in quantum mechanics in noncommutative space

Veronika Gáliková, Samuel Kováčik, Peter Prešnajder

The main point of this paper is to examine a “hidden” dynamical symmetry connected with the conservation of Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector (LRL) in the hydrogen atom problem solved by means of non-commutative quantum mechanics (NCQM). The basic features of NCQM will be introduced to the reader, the key one being the fact that the notion of a point, or a zero distance in the considered configuration space, is abandoned and replaced with a “fuzzy” structure in such a way that the rotational invariance is preserved. The main facts about the conservation of LRL vector in both classical and quantum theory will be reviewed. Finally, we will search for an analogy in the NCQM, provide our results and their comparison with the QM predictions. The key notions we are going to deal with are non-commutative space, Coulomb-Kepler problem, and symmetry.

arXiv:1309.4614•Journal of Mathematical Physics•Dec 1, 2013•39 citations

On the Fock quantisation of the hydrogen atom

Bruno Cordani

Fock (1935) explained the degeneracy of the energy levels of the Kepler problem (or hydrogen atom) in terms of the dynamical symmetry group SO(4). He showed that the problem is equivalent to the geodesic flow on the sphere S 3 . The 'hidden' symmetry SO(4) is made manifest. The classical n-dimensional Kepler problem can be better understood by enlarging the phase space of the geodesical motion on S n and including time and energy as canonical variables: a following symplectomorphism transforms the motion on S n in the Kepler problem. The authors prove that the Fock procedure is the implementation at 'quantum' level of the above-mentioned symplectomorphism.

Journal of Physics A Mathematical and General•Jul 21, 1989•4 citations

Beyond Solvability: Universal Symmetries in Quantum Oscillator, Hydrogen, and Angular Momentum

Revista, Zen, PHYSICS, 10

Symmetry is a cornerstone of modern physics, offering profound insights into the fundamental laws governing the universe. In quantum mechanics, symmetries lead to conserved quantities and simplify the resolution of complex systems. This paper explores the universal symmetries inherent in three paradigmatic quantum mechanical systems: the one-dimensional quantum harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, and the angular momentum operator. While renowned for their exact solvability, their underlying symmetry structures extend beyond explicit Hamiltonian invariances. We examine both geometric and dynamical (hidden) symmetries, which arise from non-trivial conserved quantities and often explain ``accidental'' degeneracies in energy spectra. For the quantum harmonic oscillator, we delve into the SU(1,1) or SU(2) dynamical symmetry associated with its creation and annihilation operators. The hydrogen atom's unique SO(4) symmetry, stemming from the conservation of the Runge-Lenz vector in addition to angular momentum, is thoroughly investigated. The Lie algebra of angular momentum operators forms the basis of SO(3) or SU(2) symmetry, governing rotational invariance. By employing Lie groups and Lie algebras, we reveal the deep mathematical unity underpinning these seemingly disparate systems. This comparative analysis demonstrates how these universal symmetry principles not only explain solvability and degeneracy patterns but also offer a general framework for understanding quantum phenomena. The paper hypothesizes that the recurring algebraic structures of su(2) and its extensions across these systems signify a deeper, universal blueprint for quantum system behavior, serving as a foundational guide for understanding both exactly solvable and inherently non-solvable quantum phenomena through the lens of symmetry breaking or approximation. This exploration provides a robust foundation for advanced topics in quantum field theory and particle physics.

•Nov 28, 2025•0 citations

Quantum Runge-Lenz Vector and the Hydrogen Atom, the hidden SO(4) symmetry using Computer Algebra

Pascal Szriftgiser, E.S. Cheb-Terrab

Pauli first noticed the hidden SO(4) symmetry for the Hydrogen atom in the early stages of quantum mechanics [1]. Departing from that symmetry, one can recover the spectrum of a spinless hydrogen atom and the degeneracy of its states without explicitly solving Schrodinger's equation [2]. In this paper, we derive that SO(4) symmetry and spectrum using a computer algebra system (CAS). While this problem is well known [3, 4], its solution involves several steps of manipulating expressions with tensorial quantum operators, simplifying them by taking into account a combination of commutator rules and Einstein's sum rule for repeated indices. Therefore, it is an excellent model to test the current status of CAS concerning this kind of quantum-and-tensor-algebra computations. Generally speaking, when capable, CAS can significantly help with manipulations that, like non-commutative tensor calculus subject to algebra rules, are tedious, time-consuming and error-prone. The presentation also shows a pattern of computer algebra operations that can be useful for systematically tackling more complicated symbolic problems of this kind.

arXiv:2006.12498•Jun 22, 2020•0 citations

Hydrogen Atom: Its Spectrum and Degeneracy Importance of the Laplace-Runge-Lenz Vector

Pal, Akshay, Sen, Siddhartha

Consider the problem: why does the bound state spectrum $E(n) < 0$, of hydrogen atom Hamiltonian $H$ have more degenerate eigenstates than those required by rotational symmetry? The answer is well known and was demonstrated by Pauli. It is due to an additional conserved vector, $\vec A$, of $H$, called the Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector, that was first discovered for planetary orbits. However, surprisingly, a direct link between degenerate eigenstates of $H$ and the physical labels that describe them is missing. To provide such a link requires, as we show, solving a subtle problem of self adjoint operators. In our discussions we address a number of conceptual historical aspects regarding hydrogen atom that also include a careful discussion of both the classical as well as the quantum vector $\vec A$.

arXiv:2104.04577•Apr 9, 2021•0 citations

d and f Orbital Shapes as Shadows of 4D Geometry: SO(4) Symmetry, the Fock S³ Mapping, and the Kustaanheimo-Stiefel Transform

Brian Kilgore

A research note connecting the shapes of atomic orbitals to four-dimensional geometry. The hydrogen atom possesses a hidden SO(4) symmetry (Pauli 1926) arising from conservation of the Runge-Lenz vector. In momentum space, hydrogen wavefunctions are exactly the spherical harmonics on the 3-sphere S³ (Fock 1935 stereographic projection). The familiar d and f orbital shapes are therefore 3D equatorial shadows of 4D hyperspherical harmonics. Covers: the Runge-Lenz vector and SO(4) Lie algebra; the Fock stereographic projection theorem; the Kustaanheimo-Stiefel transform (3D hydrogen ≡ 4D harmonic oscillator, exact); the SO(4,2) conformal group encoding the full hydrogen spectrum in a single representation; n-sphere generalization table; and open research directions including an interactive visualization paper (Am. J. Phys. target), angular-momentum dependence of AMEM matrix elements, and lanthanide crystal field analysis in the S³ harmonic basis.

•May 12, 2026•1 citation
In the problem of inverse-square force, there exists a hidden SO(4) symmetry, which is manifested as a conserved quantity the Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector in the classical Kepler problem, and as the degeneracy of hydrogen atom energy levels beyond the three-dimensional rotational symmetry in quantum mechanics. This paper presents a more intuitive representation of this hidden symmetry through geometric imagery. Additionally, the paper derives in detail the relevant formulas for the raising and lowering operators corresponding to this symmetry in quantum mechanics.
The main point of this paper is to examine a “hidden” dynamical symmetry connected with the conservation of Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector (LRL) in the hydrogen atom problem solved by means of non-commutative quantum mechanics (NCQM). The basic features of NCQM will be introduced to the reader, the key one being the fact that the notion of a point, or a zero distance in the considered configuration space, is abandoned and replaced with a “fuzzy” structure in such a way that the rotational invariance is preserved. The main facts about the conservation of LRL vector in both classical and quantum theory will be reviewed. Finally, we will search for an analogy in the NCQM, provide our results and their comparison with the QM predictions. The key notions we are going to deal with are non-commutative space, Coulomb-Kepler problem, and symmetry.
Fock (1935) explained the degeneracy of the energy levels of the Kepler problem (or hydrogen atom) in terms of the dynamical symmetry group SO(4). He showed that the problem is equivalent to the geodesic flow on the sphere S 3 . The 'hidden' symmetry SO(4) is made manifest. The classical n-dimensional Kepler problem can be better understood by enlarging the phase space of the geodesical motion on S n and including time and energy as canonical variables: a following symplectomorphism transforms the motion on S n in the Kepler problem. The authors prove that the Fock procedure is the implementation at 'quantum' level of the above-mentioned symplectomorphism.
Symmetry is a cornerstone of modern physics, offering profound insights into the fundamental laws governing the universe. In quantum mechanics, symmetries lead to conserved quantities and simplify the resolution of complex systems. This paper explores the universal symmetries inherent in three paradigmatic quantum mechanical systems: the one-dimensional quantum harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, and the angular momentum operator. While renowned for their exact solvability, their underlying symmetry structures extend beyond explicit Hamiltonian invariances. We examine both geometric and dynamical (hidden) symmetries, which arise from non-trivial conserved quantities and often explain ``accidental'' degeneracies in energy spectra. For the quantum harmonic oscillator, we delve into the SU(1,1) or SU(2) dynamical symmetry associated with its creation and annihilation operators. The hydrogen atom's unique SO(4) symmetry, stemming from the conservation of the Runge-Lenz vector in addition to angular momentum, is thoroughly investigated. The Lie algebra of angular momentum operators forms the basis of SO(3) or SU(2) symmetry, governing rotational invariance. By employing Lie groups and Lie algebras, we reveal the deep mathematical unity underpinning these seemingly disparate systems. This comparative analysis demonstrates how these universal symmetry principles not only explain solvability and degeneracy patterns but also offer a general framework for understanding quantum phenomena. The paper hypothesizes that the recurring algebraic structures of su(2) and its extensions across these systems signify a deeper, universal blueprint for quantum system behavior, serving as a foundational guide for understanding both exactly solvable and inherently non-solvable quantum phenomena through the lens of symmetry breaking or approximation. This exploration provides a robust foundation for advanced topics in quantum field theory and particle physics.
Pauli first noticed the hidden SO(4) symmetry for the Hydrogen atom in the early stages of quantum mechanics [1]. Departing from that symmetry, one can recover the spectrum of a spinless hydrogen atom and the degeneracy of its states without explicitly solving Schrodinger's equation [2]. In this paper, we derive that SO(4) symmetry and spectrum using a computer algebra system (CAS). While this problem is well known [3, 4], its solution involves several steps of manipulating expressions with tensorial quantum operators, simplifying them by taking into account a combination of commutator rules and Einstein's sum rule for repeated indices. Therefore, it is an excellent model to test the current status of CAS concerning this kind of quantum-and-tensor-algebra computations. Generally speaking, when capable, CAS can significantly help with manipulations that, like non-commutative tensor calculus subject to algebra rules, are tedious, time-consuming and error-prone. The presentation also shows a pattern of computer algebra operations that can be useful for systematically tackling more complicated symbolic problems of this kind.
Consider the problem: why does the bound state spectrum E(n)<0E(n) < 0E(n)<0, of hydrogen atom Hamiltonian HHH have more degenerate eigenstates than those required by rotational symmetry? The answer is well known and was demonstrated by Pauli. It is due to an additional conserved vector, A⃗\vec AA, of HHH, called the Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector, that was first discovered for planetary orbits. However, surprisingly, a direct link between degenerate eigenstates of HHH and the physical labels that describe them is missing. To provide such a link requires, as we show, solving a subtle problem of self adjoint operators. In our discussions we address a number of conceptual historical aspects regarding hydrogen atom that also include a careful discussion of both the classical as well as the quantum vector A⃗\vec AA.
A research note connecting the shapes of atomic orbitals to four-dimensional geometry. The hydrogen atom possesses a hidden SO(4) symmetry (Pauli 1926) arising from conservation of the Runge-Lenz vector. In momentum space, hydrogen wavefunctions are exactly the spherical harmonics on the 3-sphere S³ (Fock 1935 stereographic projection). The familiar d and f orbital shapes are therefore 3D equatorial shadows of 4D hyperspherical harmonics. Covers: the Runge-Lenz vector and SO(4) Lie algebra; the Fock stereographic projection theorem; the Kustaanheimo-Stiefel transform (3D hydrogen ≡ 4D harmonic oscillator, exact); the SO(4,2) conformal group encoding the full hydrogen spectrum in a single representation; n-sphere generalization table; and open research directions including an interactive visualization paper (Am. J. Phys. target), angular-momentum dependence of AMEM matrix elements, and lanthanide crystal field analysis in the S³ harmonic basis.