Visualizing operators of coupled spin systems

Abstract

The state of quantum systems, their energetics, and their time evolution is modeled by abstract operators. How can one visualize such operators for coupled spin systems? A general approach is presented which consists of several shapes representing linear combinations of spherical harmonics. It is applicable to an arbitrary number of spins and can be interpreted as a generalization of Wigner functions. The corresponding visualization transforms naturally under non-selective spin rotations as well as spin permutations. Examples and applications are illustrated for the case of three spins 1/2.

27 pages, 12 figures, 10 tables; v2: extended the discussion of Wigner functions, the motivation, and the comparison to other work