An Algebraic Theory of Non-Relativistic Spin

Abstract

In this paper we present a new, elementary derivation of non-relativistic spin using exclusively real algebraic methods. To do this, we formulate a novel method to decompose the domain of a real endomorphism according to its algebraic properties. We reveal non-commutative multipole tensors as the primary physically meaningful observables of spin, and indicate that spin is fundamentally geometric in nature. In so doing, we demonstrate that neither dynamics nor complex numbers are essential to the fundamental description of spin.

27 pages, 1 figure, 2 tables, v2 changes: Restructured introduction. Restructured arguments to use the step maps earlier. Added step-level and step-up in terms of multipoles. Fixed typos