Tuesday, 18 November 2014

quantum mechanics - SO(4,2) symmetry of the hydrogen atom


The hydrogen atom with Hamiltonian obviously has SO(3) symmetry since it just depends on the radius.


H=p22mkr


This is generated by angular momentum L=r×p.



In quantum mechanics class we learn there is SO(4) symmetry due to the Runge-Lenz vector:


A=12m(p×LL×p)krr


Even classical symmetry like gravity has this kind of symmetry.


I remember reading one time there is even greater symmetry for hydrogen atom. Possibly SO(4,2) as in this article by Hagen Kleinert.


Has anyone heard of this?




How can one see that the Hydrogen atom has SO(4) symmetry?




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