The polarization of spin one-half particles may be calculated in two different ways. Either the polarization is evaluated directly by calculating the number of particles polarized in a given direction minus the number polarized in the opposite direction divided by the total number of particles, or with the density matrix approach. The purpose here is to discuss both of the above techniques in an elementary and self-contained fashion. Their equivalence is demonstrated by a calculation of polarization with each method for a general process.
Topics
Density-matrix
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© 1968 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1968
American Association of Physics Teachers
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