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Pauli Equation: $ \quad \left( \frac{1}{2m}(\vec \sigma ( \vec p - q\vec A))^2 + q\phi \right) \Psi = i \hbar \partial_t \Psi $

Intuitive

Explanations in this section should contain no formulas, but instead colloquial things like you would hear them during a coffee break or at a cocktail party.

Concrete

The Pauli equation is the non-relativistic limit of the Dirac equation.

Abstract

Nonrelativistic particles and wave equations by Jean-Marc Lévy-Leblond

Why is it interesting?

The Pauli equation is the correct non-relativistic equation to describe spin $1/2$ particles.

Definitions

$\Psi$ is the wave function,
$m$ the mass of the particle,
$q$ the charge of the particle,
$\vec{\sigma}$ the Pauli matrices,
$\vec{p}$ the momentum,
$\vec A$ the vector potential,
$\phi$ the electric scalar potential and
$\hbar$ the reduced Planck constant.

Take note that $\vec \sigma$, a "vector of matrices" is only used as a convenient short-hand notation for the sums that appear in the equation. For example, $\vec \sigma \vec p = \sigma_1 p_1 + \sigma_2 p_2 + \sigma_3 p_3. $

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