Angular momentum techniques in quantum mechanics (Q1975072)

A course in angular momentum theory is essential for the quantitative study of problems in atomic physics, molecular physics, nuclear physics and solid state physics. This book has grown out of such a course, and covers the subjects usually treated in a first course on angular momentum techniques for graduate students in physics. The following topics are dealt with~: coupling of two or more angular momenta, angular momentum coupling coefficients, rotation matrices, tensor operators, evaluation of matrix elements, the gradient formula, identical particles, statistical tensor and polarization phenomena, the helicity formalism and the spin states of a Dirac particle. For many physicists, quantum theory of angular momentum is the first example and the beginning of group theoretical methods in physics. The author has chosen to avoid the language of group theory, and has put the emphasis on the algebraic formalism as developed by Racah. Thus the approach in this book does not differ much from the approach followed in standard classics on the subject, such as \textit{M. E. Rose}'s \textit{Elementary Theory of Angular Momentum} (John Wiley, New York) (1957; Zbl 0079.20102) or \textit{A. R. Edmonds}'s \textit{Angular Momentum in Quantum Mechanics} (Princeton University Press, Princeton (1957; Zbl 0079.42204)). The current book covers a wide range of angular momentum techniques that are being used in the study of non-relativistic and relativistic problems in physics. Some applications to physical problems are also given in the book, both from nuclear and particle physics. Each chapter, whether devoted to general techniques or to an application, ends with a set of review questions, problems and solutions to selected problems. This may help the student using this book to acquire a good understanding of the several topics. This book is mainly written for graduate students in physics or chemistry who need a working knowledge of angular momentum techniques. {}From the mathematical point of view, the link with group theory is missing (an option deliberately chosen by the author). Therefore, mathematicians or mathematical physicists who seek more information on the mathematical theory of angular momentum (i.e.\ the relation to group theory, representation theory, special functions, graph theory) will not find it here, but are referred to other classics such as \textit{L. C. Biedenharn} and \textit{J. D. Louck,} \textit{Angular Momentum in Quantum Physics} (Encyclopedia of mathematics and its applications, vol.~8; Addison-Wesley 1981; Zbl 0474.00023) and \textit{The Racah-Wigner Algebra in Quantum Theory} (Encyclopedia of mathematics and its applications, vol.~9; Addison-Wesley 1981; Zbl 0597.00001).