How Does Angular Momentum Operate in Exponential Form?

In summary, the conversation discusses the operator of angular momentum and its operation in exponential form. The Wigner D-matrix is mentioned as a way to calculate the matrix elements of the rotation operator in terms of the usual eigenstates. The conversation also clarifies the use and purpose of the rotation operator in studying the properties of a particle.
  • #1
StephvsEinst
41
1
Hey!

How does the operator of angular momentum operates in exponential form?

$$ e^{-i\theta J}\vert l, m \rangle = ?? $$

where $$J\vert \Psi \rangle = J\vert l, m \rangle$$
and
$$J^2\vert \Psi\rangle = \hbar^2 l(l+1)\vert \Psi\rangle $$

Also, how do you operate $$J_-$$
and $$J_+$$
in exponential form?

Thanks,
Jorge.
 
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  • #2
They're defined in terms of the taylor series for the exponential function.
 
  • #3
First of all, your notation doesn't make sense. What do you want to calculate? If you like to find the representation of a general rotation, that's given in terms of the Euler angles ##(\alpha,\beta,\gamma)## by the unitary operator
$$\hat{D}(\alpha,\beta,\gamma)=\exp(-\mathrm{i} \alpha \hat{J}_z) \exp(-\mathrm{i} \beta \hat{J}_y) \exp(-\mathrm{i} \gamma \hat{J}_z).$$
You can calculate its matrix elements in terms of the usual eigenstates ##|j,m \rangle##, leading to the Wigner D-matrices:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wigner_D-matrix
 
  • Like
Likes StephvsEinst
  • #4
vanhees71 said:
First of all, your notation doesn't make sense. What do you want to calculate? If you like to find the representation of a general rotation, that's given in terms of the Euler angles ##(\alpha,\beta,\gamma)## by the unitary operator
$$\hat{D}(\alpha,\beta,\gamma)=\exp(-\mathrm{i} \alpha \hat{J}_z) \exp(-\mathrm{i} \beta \hat{J}_y) \exp(-\mathrm{i} \gamma \hat{J}_z).$$
You can calculate its matrix elements in terms of the usual eigenstates ##|j,m \rangle##, leading to the Wigner D-matrices:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wigner_D-matrix

I was talking about a operator that rotates the physical system and leaves the axis fixed (active viewpoint). This rotation is invariant to let us study the properties of the particle without worrying about the angular momentum of the particle (because it is conserved). I wanted to know how the rotation operator worked on the state $$\vert l, m \rangle$$ of the particle, which is given by the Wigner D-matrix. So your answer was what I was looking for. Thanks!
 

FAQ: How Does Angular Momentum Operate in Exponential Form?

What is the purpose of using operators in exponential form?

Operators in exponential form are used to represent repeated multiplication in a shorter and more efficient way. They are commonly used in mathematical equations and calculations.

What are the different types of operators in exponential form?

There are two types of operators in exponential form: the base number and the exponent. The base number is the number that is being multiplied, while the exponent is the number of times the base number is multiplied by itself.

How do you read and interpret operators in exponential form?

In exponential form, the base number is written first and then followed by the exponent, separated by a caret (^) symbol. For example, 2^3 would be read as "2 to the power of 3" or "2 cubed". This means that 2 is being multiplied by itself 3 times.

How do you perform operations with operators in exponential form?

To perform operations with operators in exponential form, you need to follow the rules of exponents. For example, when multiplying two exponential expressions with the same base, you add the exponents. So, 2^3 * 2^2 would be simplified to 2^(3+2) which equals 2^5 or 32.

How do operators in exponential form relate to logarithms?

Logarithms are the inverse of exponential operations. This means that they undo the effect of an exponential operation. For example, log base 2 of 8 is equal to 3, which means that 2^3 is equal to 8. Logarithms are often used to solve equations with exponential expressions.

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