Let J=(J1,J2,J3) and ∣jm⟩ denote the standard angular-momentum operators and states so that, in units where ℏ=1,
J2∣jm⟩=j(j+1)∣jm⟩,J3∣jm⟩=m∣jm⟩
Show that U(θ)=exp(−iθJ2) is unitary. Define
Ji(θ)=U(θ)JiU−1(θ) for i=1,2,3
and
∣jm⟩θ=U(θ)∣jm⟩.
Find expressions for J1(θ),J2(θ) and J3(θ) as linear combinations of J1,J2 and J3. Briefly explain why U(θ) represents a rotation of J through angle θ about the 2-axis.
Show that
J3(θ)∣jm⟩θ=m∣jm⟩θ
Express ∣10⟩θ as a linear combination of the states ∣1m⟩,m=−1,0,1. By expressing J1 in terms of J±, use (∗) to determine the coefficients in this expansion.
A particle of spin 1 is in the state ∣10⟩ at time t=0. It is subject to the Hamiltonian
H=−μB⋅J
where B=(0,B,0). At time t the value of J3 is measured and found to be J3=0. At time 2t the value of J3 is measured again and found to be J3=1. Show that the joint probability for these two values to be measured is
81sin2(2μBt).
[The following result may be quoted: J±∣jm⟩=(j∓m)(j±m+1)∣jm±1⟩.]