English

Derivation of the Pauli exchange principle

Quantum Physics 2007-05-23 v1

Abstract

Wave functions are generally written with arguments consisting of sets of ``particle'' coordinates and quantum numbers. Pauli derived a principle governing the exchange of pairs of sets that differ only in their spatial and spin component (ms)(m_s) coordinates. This principle states that an exchange of two of these sets produces the same wave function except for its being multiplied by a factor of (1)2s(-1)^{2s}. Pauli's proof is based upon quantum field operators and is difficult to understand. A much simpler proof, making use of properties of wave functions, is presented here.

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Cite

@article{arxiv.quant-ph/9906046,
  title  = {Derivation of the Pauli exchange principle},
  author = {A. A. Broyles},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/9906046},
  year   = {2007}
}

Comments

5 pages, 1 figure