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Note on Kowalewski's Top in Quantum Mechanics

Otto Laporte

  • University of Michigan

Phys. Rev. 43, 548 – Published 1 April, 1933

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.43.548

Abstract

It is well known that in classical mechanics algebraic integrals of the top equations only exist in the cases of Euler (asymmetric top, no electric moment), of Lagrange (symmetric top, electric moment parallel to the axis of figure) and of Kowalewski. The latter case is that of a symmetric top whose two equal moments of inertia are twice as large as the third (A=B=2C) with an electric moment perpendicular to the axis of figure. The quantum mechanical analogue to Euler's and Lagrange's cases being well known, Kowalewski's case was tried. If ϑ, ψ, ϕ are the Euler angles, QI=Q1+iQ2, QII=Q1iQ2 linear combinations of the momenta around the principal axes and U=QI2+4Cμsinϑeiψ, then Kowalewski's integral becomes: UU*+U*U+4h2(QIQII+QIIQI)=Diag.Matrix, which differs from the classical result by the symmetrization and by the last term proportional to h2.

References (13)

  1. S. Kowalewski, Acta Mathematica 12, 177 (1888)
  2. E. Husson, Ann. Fac. Science Toulouse 8, 73 (1906)
  3. F. Reiche and H. Rademacher, Zeits. f. Physik 39, 444 (1926) ibid.41, 453 (1927)
  4. R. deL. Kronig and J. J. Rabi, Phys. Rev. 29, 262 (1927)
  5. C. Manneback, Phys. Zeits. 28, 72 (1927)
  6. S. C. Wang, Phys. Rev. 34, 243 (1929)
  7. H. A. Kramers and G. P. Ittmann, Zeits. f. Physik 53, 553 (1929) ibid.58, 217 (1929) ibid.60, 663 (1930)
  8. O. Klein, Zeits. f. Physik 58, 730 (1929)
  9. H. B. G. Casimir, Leiden Dissertation, 1931
  10. Casimir, p. 57
  11. M. Born and P. Jordan, Elementare Quantenmechanik, Berlin, 1930, p. 23
  12. Casimir, p. 44
  13. Casimir, p. 45

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