Angular Momentum in Quantum Mechanics

by Edmonds, A. R.

• ISBN13: 9780691025896
• ISBN10: 0691025894
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1996-01-08
• Publisher: Princeton Univ Pr

Summary

This book offers a concise introduction to the angular momentum, one of the most fundamental quantities in all of quantum mechanics. Beginning with the quantization of angular momentum, spin angular momentum, and the orbital angular momentum, the author goes on to discuss the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients for a two-component system. After developing the necessary mathematics, specifically spherical tensors and tensor operators, the author then investigates the 3-j, 6-j, and 9-jsymbols. Throughout, the author provides practical applications to atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics. These include partial-wave expansions, the emission and absorption of particles, the proton and electron quadrupole moment, matrix element calculation in practice, and the properties of the symmetrical top molecule.

Author Biography

A. R. Edmonds was known for his work in theoretical physics first in England and later in the CERN Theoretical Study Division in Copenhagen.

Table of Contents

Group Theoretical Preliminaries	p. 3
The Quantization of Angular Momentum	p. 10
The Coupling of Angular Momentum Vectors	p. 31
The Representations of Finite Rotations	p. 53
Spherical Tensors and Tensor Operators	p. 68
The Construction of Invariants from the Vector-Coupling Coefficients	p. 90
The Evaluation of Matrix Element in Actual Problems	p. 109
Appendix 1. Theorems Used in Chapter 3	p. 121
Appendix 2. Approximate Expressions for Vector-Coupling Coefficients and 6-j Symbols	p. 122
Tables 1-5	p. 124
Cited References and Bibliography	p. 133
Index	p. 141
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