(i) What are the commutation relations satisfied by the components of an angular momentum vector J ? State the possible eigenvalues of the component J3 when J2 has eigenvalue j(j+1)ℏ2.
Describe how the Pauli matrices
σ1=(0110),σ2=(0i−i0),σ3=(100−1)
are used to construct the components of the angular momentum vector S for a spin 21 system. Show that they obey the required commutation relations.
Show that S1,S2 and S3 each have eigenvalues ±21ℏ. Verify that S2 has eigenvalue 43ℏ2.
(ii) Let J and ∣jm⟩ denote the standard operators and state vectors of angular momentum theory. Assume units where ℏ=1. Consider the operator
U(θ)=e−iθJ2
Show that
U(θ)J1U(θ)−1=cosθJ1−sinθJ3U(θ)J3U(θ)−1=sinθJ1+cosθJ3
Show that the state vectors U(2π)∣jm⟩ are eigenvectors of J1. Suppose that J1 is measured for a system in the state ∣jm⟩; show that the probability that the result is m′ equals
∣∣∣⟨jm′∣∣∣ei2πJ2∣∣∣jm⟩∣∣∣2
Consider the case j=m=21. Evaluate the probability that the measurement of J1 will result in m′=−21.