Double bar matrix element

In summary, the modulus square follows the same rule as the ordinary matrix element, and the same applies for the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients as well.
  • #1
malawi_glenn
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Is wondering if anyone knows if the modulus square of the double matrix element that arises in Wigner-Eckart theorem obeys the same "rule" as the ordinary does, if the operator is hermitian:

[tex] |<ajm|M|bj'm'>|^2 = |<bj'm'|M|ajm>|^2 [/tex] if M is hermitian.

Is then :

[tex] |<aj||M||bj'>|^2 = |<bj'||M||aj>|^2 [/tex] ?

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I think it does, the Wigner-Eckart theorem states:

[tex] \langle njm|T^k_q|n'j'm'\rangle =\langle nj||T_q||n'j'\rangle C^{jm}_{kqj'm'} [/tex]

where [tex] C^{jm}_{kqj}[/tex] is a Clebsh gordan


So I think things will work out, are someone sure about how these things work, please tell me :)
 
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  • #2


I can confirm that the modulus square of the double matrix element in the Wigner-Eckart theorem obeys the same "rule" as the ordinary does, if the operator is hermitian. This is because the Wigner-Eckart theorem is a generalization of the ordinary matrix element, and the same principles apply.

To understand why this is the case, we can look at the definition of a hermitian operator. A hermitian operator is one that is equal to its own conjugate transpose, or in other words: M = M†. This means that the matrix elements of a hermitian operator will be equal to the complex conjugate of its transpose, which is exactly what is required for the modulus square to be equal.

In the Wigner-Eckart theorem, we are dealing with matrix elements that involve the hermitian operator T_q. This means that the modulus square of the matrix element will be equal to its complex conjugate, which is exactly what the "rule" states. Therefore, we can conclude that the same rule applies for the double matrix element in the Wigner-Eckart theorem.

Furthermore, the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients in the Wigner-Eckart theorem also follow the same principles as the ordinary matrix elements. These coefficients are used to relate the angular momentum states of two particles, and they are also affected by the hermiticity of the operator. Therefore, the same rule applies for the modulus square of the double matrix element.

In conclusion, as a scientist, I can confidently say that the modulus square of the double matrix element in the Wigner-Eckart theorem obeys the same "rule" as the ordinary does, if the operator is hermitian. This is due to the nature of hermitian operators and the principles behind the Wigner-Eckart theorem.
 

FAQ: Double bar matrix element

What is a "double bar matrix element"?

A double bar matrix element is a mathematical term used in quantum mechanics to describe the transition probability between two quantum states. It is represented by a double bar symbol, hence the name, and is calculated by taking the square of the inner product between the two states.

How is a double bar matrix element calculated?

The calculation of a double bar matrix element involves taking the square of the inner product of two quantum states. This can be represented by the equation:
⟨ψ₁|ψ₂⟩², where ⟨ψ₁| is the complex conjugate of the first state and |ψ₂⟩ is the second state. The resulting value is the transition probability between the two states.

What is the significance of a double bar matrix element in quantum mechanics?

A double bar matrix element is significant in quantum mechanics because it represents the probability of a quantum system transitioning from one state to another. This is a fundamental concept in understanding the behavior of particles at the quantum level.

How is a double bar matrix element used in experiments?

In experiments, a double bar matrix element is used to calculate the probability of a particle transitioning from one quantum state to another. This information can be used to make predictions and observations about the behavior of particles in a given system.

Can a double bar matrix element have a value of zero?

Yes, a double bar matrix element can have a value of zero. This means that the two states being compared are orthogonal, or perpendicular, to each other. In other words, there is no probability of one state transitioning to the other.

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