This reference treats the development of angular momentum theory in a consistent way, beginning with the geometrical concept of rotational invariance. New concepts are introduced and relevant formulas derived in the natural context of the treatment. For the student and researcher, end-of-chapter exercises present examples of the applications of angular momentum theory to subjects of current interest. Included for practical reference are tables of formulas, and brief computer programs for reduced rotation matrix elements and for 3-j, 6-j and 9-j coefficients.

Table of Contents

Symmetry in Quantum Systems; Mathematical and Quantum-Theoretical Preliminaries; Rotational Invariance and Angular Momentum; Angular Momentum Eigenstates; Angular Momentum for Quantum Systems; Finite Rotations of Angular Momentum Eigenstates; Combining Two Angular-Momentum Eigenstates; Irreducible Spherical Tensors; Recombining Several Angular-Momentum Eigenstates; Electromagnetic Multipole Fields; Tables of Formulas; Computer Programs.