A Group-Theoretic Approach to Constructions of Nonrelativistic Spin-Statistics

Harrison, J.M.; Robbins, J.M.

HPL-BRIMS-2001-09

Keyword(s): spin-statistics relation; Pauli exclusion principle; quantum mechanics

Abstract: We give a group-theoretical generalization of Berry and Robbins' treatment of identical particles with spin. The original construction, which leads to the correct spin-statistics relation, is seen to arise from particular irreducible representations - the totally symmetric representations - of the group SU(4). Here we calculate the exchange signs and corresponding statistics for all irreducible representations of SU(4). Notes: J.M. Harrison, Department of Mathematics, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TW, UK

5 Pages

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