A novel realization of the classical SU(2) algebra is introduced for the Dirac relativistic hydrogen atom defining a set of operators that allow the factorization of the problem. An extra phase is needed as a new variable in order to define the algebra. We take advantage of the operators to solve the Dirac equation using algebraic methods. A similar path to the one used in the angular momentum case is used; hence, the radial eigenfunctions so calculated comprise nonunitary representations of the algebra. One of the interesting properties of such nonunitary representations is that they are not labeled by integer nor by half-integer numbers, as occurs in the usual angular momentum representation.A novel realization of the classical SU(2) algebra is introduced for the Dirac relativistic hydrogen atom defining a set of operators that allow the factorization of the problem. An extra phase is needed as a new variable in order to define the algebra. We take advantage of the operators to solve the Dirac equation using algebraic methods. A similar path to the one used in the angular momentum case is used; hence, the radial eigenfunctions so calculated comprise nonunitary representations of the algebra. One of the interesting properties of such nonunitary representations is that they are not labeled by integer nor by half-integer numbers, as occurs in the usual angular momentum representation.

arXiv:math-ph/9809018Journal of Mathematical PhysicsMay 1, 199914 citations

The exact meaning of the angular-momentum and spin operators in quantum mechanics

G. Coddens

The theory of angular momentum and spin in quantum mechanics seems to defy common-sense intuition.We render the theory intelligible again by pointing out that this apparent impenetrability merely stems from an {\em undue} parallel interpretation of the algebraic expressions for the angular-momentum and spin operators in the group representation theory of SO(3) and SU(2). E.g. the correct meaning of the quantumoperator ${\hat{L}}_{z} = {\hbar\over{\imath}}\,(x{\partial\over{\partial y}} - y{\partial\over{\partial x}} )$ is not that it is the operatorfor the $z$ -component $L_{z}$ of the angular momentum ${\mathbf{L}}$ , but rather the expression of the operator for the angular momentum ${\mathbf{L}}$ when it is aligned with the $z$ -axis. Hence what we are used to note (erroneously) as ${\hat{L}}_{z}$ is not a scalar but a vector operator.The same applies{\em mutatis mutandis} for the spin operators. In the correct interpretation, the wholealgebraic formalism is just the group representation theory for the rotationsof three-dimensional Euclidean geometry. It is thus mere,elementary high-school mathematics (in a less usual, more technical guise) and as such totally exempt of any physics, let alone quantum mysteries.The change of interpretation has no impact on the algebraic results, such that they remain in agreement with experimental data and the algebra quantum mechanics remains correct. It is all only a matter of the correct geometrical meaning of the algebra.All these statements are proved within the framework of the group representation theory for SO(3) and SU(2) which is the basic tool used to describe rotational motion in quantum mechanics.The theory of angular momentum and spin in quantum mechanics seems to defy common-sense intuition.We render the theory intelligible again by pointing out that this apparent impenetrability merely stems from an {\em undue} parallel interpretation of the algebraic expressions for the angular-momentum and spin operators in the group representation theory of SO(3) and SU(2). E.g. the correct meaning of the quantumoperator ${\hat{L}}_{z} = {\hbar\over{\imath}}\,(x{\partial\over{\partial y}} - y{\partial\over{\partial x}} )$ is not that it is the operatorfor the $z$-component $L_{z}$ of the angular momentum ${\mathbf{L}}$, but rather the expression of the operator for the angular momentum ${\mathbf{L}}$ when it is aligned with the $z$-axis. Hence what we are used to note (erroneously) as ${\hat{L}}_{z}$ is not a scalar but a vector operator.The same applies{\em mutatis mutandis} for the spin operators. In the correct interpretation, the wholealgebraic formalism is just the group representation theory for the rotationsof three-dimensional Euclidean geometry. It is thus mere,elementary high-school mathematics (in a less usual, more technical guise) and as such totally exempt of any physics, let alone quantum mysteries.The change of interpretation has no impact on the algebraic results, such that they remain in agreement with experimental data and the algebra quantum mechanics remains correct. It is all only a matter of the correct geometrical meaning of the algebra.All these statements are proved within the framework of the group representation theory for SO(3) and SU(2) which is the basic tool used to describe rotational motion in quantum mechanics.

Sep 11, 20210 citations

On the algebra of angular momentum

Alvin Meckler

Il Nuovo CimentoMar 1, 195916 citations

A Spinor Approach to the SU(2) Clebsch-Gordan Coefficients*

Ling-Di Yang, Famin Chen

Abstract We review the irreducible representation of an angular momentum vector operator constructed in terms of spinor algebra. We generalize the idea of spinor approach to study the coupling of the eigenstates of two independent angular momentum vector operators. Utilizing the spinor algebra, we are able to develop a simple way for calculating the SU(2) Clebsch-Gordan (CG) coefficients. The explicit expression for the SU(2) CG coefficients is worked out, and some simple physical examples are presented to illustrate the spinor approach.Abstract We review the irreducible representation of an angular momentum vector operator constructed in terms of spinor algebra. We generalize the idea of spinor approach to study the coupling of the eigenstates of two independent angular momentum vector operators. Utilizing the spinor algebra, we are able to develop a simple way for calculating the SU(2) Clebsch-Gordan (CG) coefficients. The explicit expression for the SU(2) CG coefficients is worked out, and some simple physical examples are presented to illustrate the spinor approach.

Communications in Theoretical PhysicsJun 1, 20190 citations

{\hat{L}}_{z} = {\hbar\over{\imath}}\,(x{\partial\over{\partial y}} - y{\partial\over{\partial x}} )

is not that it is the operatorfor the

z

-component

L_{z}

of the angular momentum

{\mathbf{L}}

, but rather the expression of the operator for the angular momentum

{\mathbf{L}}

when it is aligned with the

z

-axis. Hence what we are used to note (erroneously) as

{\hat{L}}_{z}

is not a scalar but a vector operator.The same applies{\em mutatis mutandis} for the spin operators. In the correct interpretation, the wholealgebraic formalism is just the group representation theory for the rotationsof three-dimensional Euclidean geometry. It is thus mere,elementary high-school mathematics (in a less usual, more technical guise) and as such totally exempt of any physics, let alone quantum mysteries.The change of interpretation has no impact on the algebraic results, such that they remain in agreement with experimental data and the algebra quantum mechanics remains correct. It is all only a matter of the correct geometrical meaning of the algebra.All these statements are proved within the framework of the group representation theory for SO(3) and SU(2) which is the basic tool used to describe rotational motion in quantum mechanics.