Global spin-rotation symmetry about one axis Created 2026-10-25 Updated 2026-11-05
If the Hamiltonian commutes with total , simultaneous spin rotations form a circle group symmetry. In a state of definite total , the transverse one-point averages vanish because change that eigenvalue. A chosen classical orientation or symmetry-breaking limit requires separate care when constructing a linear spin-wave approximation.
The spin commutation relations give . Using the product rule for a commutator,and the conjugate term also vanishes. The longitudinal field commutes with every , so . The Hamiltonian is invariant under the global spin rotation : its continuous symmetry group is . Simultaneous energy and total-magnetization eigenstates can be chosen, and evolution preserves each fixed-magnetization sector. Local magnetization can still flow between sites; generally . In the fermion representation the conserved number will be .
Quantum XX chain 2026-10-20
The spin-one-half quantum XX chain has equal nearest-neighbour transverse exchange. Its continuous spin rotation symmetry conserves total longitudinal magnetization. The Jordan–Wigner transformation maps it to number-conserving free fermions. This quantum chain is distinct from the classical XY model.
Scalar primary operator Created 2026-09-29 Updated 2026-11-05
A scalar primary operator transforms without a spin rotation and is characterized by its scaling dimension. Conformal symmetry fixes its two- and three-point functions up to constants, while a four-point function can depend on conformal cross-ratios.
Spin rotation 2026-10-20
A spin rotation acts on a quantum state through the unitary representation generated by its angular momentum operators. With , rotation by angle about axis is . Simultaneously rotating every site is a global symmetry of an isotropic Heisenberg model.