(i) In units where ℏ=1, angular momentum states ∣jm⟩ obey
J2∣jm⟩=j(j+1)∣jm⟩,J3∣jm⟩=m∣jm⟩
Use the algebra of angular momentum [Ji,Jj]=iϵijkJk to derive the following in terms of J2,J±=J1±iJ2 and J3 : (a) [J2,Ji]; (b) [J3,J±]; (c) [J2,J±].
(ii) Find J+J−in terms of J2 and J3. Thus calculate the quantum numbers of the state J±∣jm⟩ in terms of j and m. Derive the normalisation of the state J−∣jm⟩. Therefore, show that
⟨jj−1∣∣∣∣J+j−1J−j∣∣∣∣jj⟩=A(2j−1)!
finding A in terms of j.
(iii) Consider the combination of a spinless particle with an electron of spin 1/2 and orbital angular momentum 1. Calculate the probability that the electron has a spin of +1/2 in the z-direction if the combined system has an angular momentum of +1/2 in the z-direction and a total angular momentum of +3/2. Repeat the calculation for a total angular momentum of +1/2.