A complete hermitian operator basis set for any spin quantum number

A new Hermitian operator basis set for spins of any quantum number is prese nted for use in simulations of NMR experiments. The advantage with a Hermit ian operator basis is that the Liouville-von Neumann equation, including re laxation with dynamic frequency shifts, is real. Real algebra makes numeric al calculations faster and simplifies physical interpretation of the equati on system as compared to complex algebra. The unity operator is included in the Hermitian operator basis, which makes it easy to rewrite the inhomogen eous Liouville-von Neumann equation into a homogeneous form. The unity oper ator also simplifies physical interpretation of the equation system for cou pled spin systems. (C) 2001 Academic Press.