A vector is cyclic for an operator algebra when its orbit under that algebra has dense linear span. This is distinct from requiring the powers of one chosen operator to span the space. If the algebra is linear, its orbit itself is already a vector subspace.
Holstein–Primakoff transformation Created 2026-10-06 Updated 2026-10-14
The Holstein–Primakoff transformation represents a spin- operator algebra with a bosonic creation operator and annihilation operator:
The order of the square root and oscillator operator matters. On the physical Fock states , , the raising and lowering matrix elements are and . Their squared difference gives , proving the spin commutation relations. Expanding the square root yields the linear spin-wave approximation and its interaction corrections.
Operator algebra Created 2026-10-06 Updated 2026-10-14
An operator algebra is an algebra of linear operators, with multiplication given by composition. In quantum examples it can be generated by creation and annihilation operators subject to the canonical commutation relations or canonical anticommutation relations. Its analytic realization requires specifying a common domain for unbounded operators.
The position operators and momentum operators are self-adjoint operators. Using conjugate linearity of the adjoint operator, , gives
Write . Bilinearity and antisymmetry of the commutator, together with the canonical commutation relations, give . Hence
The terms involving two position operators or two momentum operators vanish by the canonical commutation relations. Finally, reversing products under the adjoint operator, , gives . Therefore
Here is the identity operator. These are the relations for two independent pairs of creation and annihilation operators. The operator algebra in this question is understood on a common invariant operator domain, such as finite linear combinations of the number states constructed in part (c).
A vector is separating for an operator algebra when evaluation at that vector is injective. A cyclic vector for the commutant of an operator algebra is separating for the original algebra: if , then vanishes on its dense commutant orbit.
Star-algebra 2026-10-14
A complex associative algebra with a conjugate-linear involution satisfying the displayed product-reversal identities. An operator algebra closed under the Hilbert-space adjoint is a star-algebra. A C-star algebra additionally has a complete norm with .