Abstract
The Wigner distribution has proven to be a useful tool in many quantum problems requiring a joint distribution of position and momentum. In the present paper we develop a joint distribution for spin components within the spirit of the Wigner distribution. This distribution provides an insight into the quantum theory of measurement. We also discuss how one may write joint distributions for two arbitrary noncommuting operators.
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It is a pleasure to dedicate this paper to Professor John A. Wheeler—physicist, philosopher, poet—an inspiration to us all.
Work supported by the Office of Naval Research.
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Cohen, L., Scully, M.O. Joint Wigner distribution for spin-1/2 particles. Found Phys 16, 295–310 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01882690
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01882690