Cautionary remark on applying symmetry techniques to the Coulomb problem. [Three-fold disjoint subspaces, Wigner-Eckart theorem]

Journal Article · Mon Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1977 · Phys. Rev., A; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.15.441· OSTI ID:7323639

Aebersold, D; Biedenharn, L C

We discuss the existence of a general Wigner-Eckart theorem for the physical hydrogen-atom problem. The group generators are not a derivation with respect to the physical variables (r,theta,phi), and thus the eigenfunctions do not qualify as tensor operators. The lack of the derivation property is reflected in disjoint subspaces which for the Coulomb problem are threefold. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27706
• OSTI ID: 7323639
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev., A; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev., A; (United States) Vol. 15:2; ISSN PLRAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640302* -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Atomic & Molecular Properties & Theory
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ANGULAR MOMENTUM
COULOMB FIELD
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
HYDROGEN
NONMETALS
SYMMETRY