Open AccessWHY THE ORBITAL ANGULAR MOMENTUM CANNOT BE-?/2?
Author(s) -
Bao Jian-Ren,
Lei Zhou
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
wuli xuebao
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.199
H-Index - 47
ISSN - 1000-3290
DOI - 10.7498/aps.46.833
Subject(s) - angular momentum operator , angular momentum coupling , angular momentum , total angular momentum quantum number , physics , angular momentum of light , azimuthal quantum number , orbital angular momentum of light , mathematical physics , quantum electrodynamics , quantum mechanics
The association and difference between general angular momentum and orbital angular momentum are discussed. Their association lies in the identity of local property (Lie algebra) between group SU (2) and SO (3) (isomorphism), while their difference is their distinctive integral property. The minimal unit ?/2 of the general angular momentum is determined by the local properties of the groups, namely the commutation relation of Lie algebra (or commutor of angular momentum). However, the minimal unit ? of orbital angular momentum depends upon the integral property of group SO (3).