Derivation of the Pauli exchange principle

Abstract

Wave functions are generally written with arguments consisting of sets of ``particle'' coordinates and quantum numbers. Pauli derived a principle governing the exchange of pairs of sets that differ only in their spatial and spin component $(m_s)$ coordinates. This principle states that an exchange of two of these sets produces the same wave function except for its being multiplied by a factor of $(-1)^{2s}$. Pauli's proof is based upon quantum field operators and is difficult to understand. A much simpler proof, making use of properties of wave functions, is presented here.