Prove the following commutation relations

In summary: Yours is more elegant and easier to understand.In summary, the conversation discusses a method for proving that the Pauli-Lubanski vector provides the generators for the little group in massive representations. The idea is to consider the vector operators on a subspace with fixed three-momentum and work in the rest frame of the particle. This approach is more elegant and easier to understand compared to the professor's solution.
  • #1
Hibarikyoya
2
0
Homework Statement
I have to prove that:

$$[J^k, J^i] = i \epsilon^{kij} J^j$$

.
Relevant Equations
where $$J^k = \frac{1}{M} (L^{-1})^k_{\mu} W^{\mu},$$ in which M is a real number (with the meaning of a mass), $L(\vec{P},M)$ is a Lorentz transformation (in particular a boost in the direction identified by the momentum $\vec{P}$). I can also provide the explicit form of this transformation, but I think is not needed for this exercise. $W^{\mu}$ is the Pauli-Lubanski four vector. Moreover k, i and j run from 1 to 3 and they are spatial indices, while the greek indices run from 0 to 3
I tried in this way:
$$[J^k, J^i] = \frac{1}{M^2}\ (L^{-1})^k_{\mu}\ (L^{-1})^i_{\nu}\ [W^{\mu}, W^{\nu}] $$
$$ = \frac{1}{M^2}\ (L^{-1})^k_{\mu}\ (L^{-1})^i_{\nu}\ (-i) \epsilon^{\mu \nu \rho \sigma} W_{\rho} P_{\sigma}.$$
At this point I had no idea how to going on with the calculation. Can anyone help me?
 
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  • #2
Dealing with
[tex]\mathbf{J}=\mathbf{r}\times\mathbf{p}[/tex]
is a primitive way. Do you like to solve the problem in an advanced way ?
 
  • #3
Hint: What you are supposed to prove is that the Pauli-Lubanski vector provides the generators (Lie-algebra basis elements) of the little group for the massive representations, where indeed the little group is the SO(3) (represented by representations of the SU(2), i.e., its covering group in QT).

Obviously the idea is to consider the Pauli-Lubanski-vector operators on the subspace of fixed three-momentum ##\vec{P}##. The boost transforms to the rest frame of the particle, where ##P^{\mu}/M=(1,0,0,0)##, and where ##W^{\mu}=(0,\vec{W})##.

In other words: For your prove you can simply work in the restframe of the particle and the three spatial components of ##\vec{W}## wrt. this frame.
 
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  • #4
vanhees71 said:
Hint: What you are supposed to prove is that the Pauli-Lubanski vector provides the generators (Lie-algebra basis elements) of the little group for the massive representations, where indeed the little group is the SO(3) (represented by representations of the SU(2), i.e., its covering group in QT).

Obviously the idea is to consider the Pauli-Lubanski-vector operators on the subspace of fixed three-momentum ##\vec{P}##. The boost transforms to the rest frame of the particle, where ##P^{\mu}/M=(1,0,0,0)##, and where ##W^{\mu}=(0,\vec{W})##.

In other words: For your prove you can simply work in the restframe of the particle and the three spatial components of ##\vec{W}## wrt. this frame.
Very nice idea. The professor showed us his solution and it was a mess
 

FAQ: Prove the following commutation relations

What are commutation relations in quantum mechanics?

Commutation relations in quantum mechanics describe how two operators interact when applied in sequence. They are defined by the commutator, [A, B] = AB - BA, and are fundamental in understanding the behavior of observables and their corresponding quantum states.

How do you prove the commutation relation [x, p] = iħ?

To prove the commutation relation [x, p] = iħ, where x is the position operator and p is the momentum operator, we use the canonical quantization rules. In the position representation, p is represented as -iħ(d/dx). Applying the commutator [x, p] = x(-iħ(d/dx)) - (-iħ(d/dx))x, we find that [x, p] = iħ.

What is the significance of the commutation relation [L_i, L_j] = iħε_ijkL_k?

The commutation relation [L_i, L_j] = iħε_ijkL_k, where L_i are the components of the angular momentum operator and ε_ijk is the Levi-Civita symbol, signifies the rotational symmetry in quantum mechanics. It shows that the components of angular momentum do not commute and provides the algebraic structure of the rotation group SO(3).

How do you verify the commutation relation for creation and annihilation operators [a, a†] = 1?

To verify the commutation relation [a, a†] = 1 for creation (a†) and annihilation (a) operators, we start from their definitions in terms of the position and momentum operators. Using the harmonic oscillator algebra, we find that aa† - a†a = 1, confirming the commutation relation.

Why are commutation relations important in quantum field theory?

Commutation relations in quantum field theory are crucial because they define the algebra of field operators at different points in space-time. They ensure the consistency of the theory with the principles of quantum mechanics and special relativity, governing the behavior of particles and fields.

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