Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

In summary, the conversation discusses the textbook "Relativistic Quantum Mechanics" by Paul Strange, specifically chapter 7 which extensively describes the Zitterbewegung phenomenon using the Foldy-Wouthuysen representation. It also mentions a paper by Costella and McKellar that provides general conclusions on the topic. The Zitterbewegung effect can be used to justify the eigenvalues of the velocity operator in relativistic QM and gives a partial justification of spin. The conversation also touches on the comparison with an alternative approach to spinors and a discussion about the emergence of the Compton length from gravity and Planck length at the LQG forum zone.
  • #1
arivero
Gold Member
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This weekend I have been reading the textbook of Paul Strange, "Relativistic Quantum Mechanics". There, in chapter 7, in takes the most extensive description of Zitterbewegung I am aware of, at least in a textbook. Most of the discussion uses the Foldy-Wouthuysen representation, while it refers to Costella and McKellar 1995 for general conclusions on it. I have not read this yet, but preprints are available online as usual (hep-ph/9503416,
also hep-ph/9704210 and hep-ph/0102244)

For newcomers, let me to remark that the Z. effect can be used to justify the eigenvalues of the velocity operator in relativistic QM, and also it gives a partial justification of spin.
 
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  • #2
Zitterbewegung

How does it compare and contrast wit http://modelingnts.la.asu.edu/html/Impl_QM.html ?
 
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  • #3
Lets say that it is "orthodox". IE instead of alternative approaches to spinors, it uses the F-W transformation, which is standard in relativistic quantum mechanics, to separate the components of the spinor and then to locate the Zitterbewegung effect.
 
  • #4
crosslink

We got a nice tale about emerging compton length from gravity plus plank length, at the LQG forum zone.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14007[/URL]
 
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Related to Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

1. What is Relativistic Quantum Mechanics?

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics is a theory that combines the principles of quantum mechanics and special relativity to describe the behavior of particles at high speeds or in strong gravitational fields.

2. How is Relativistic Quantum Mechanics different from Classical Mechanics?

Classical Mechanics describes the behavior of macroscopic objects, while Relativistic Quantum Mechanics focuses on the behavior of particles on a microscopic level. Additionally, Relativistic Quantum Mechanics takes into account the effects of special relativity, such as time dilation and length contraction, which are not present in Classical Mechanics.

3. What are the key principles of Relativistic Quantum Mechanics?

The key principles of Relativistic Quantum Mechanics include the concept of wave-particle duality, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and the Schrödinger equation. It also takes into account the principles of special relativity, such as the constancy of the speed of light and the equivalence of mass and energy.

4. What are some applications of Relativistic Quantum Mechanics?

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics is used in a variety of fields, including particle physics, cosmology, and quantum computing. It has also been applied in the development of technologies such as lasers, transistors, and MRI machines.

5. What are the challenges in studying Relativistic Quantum Mechanics?

One of the main challenges in studying Relativistic Quantum Mechanics is the complexity of the mathematical equations involved. It also requires a deep understanding of both quantum mechanics and special relativity. Additionally, experimental verification of theories in this field can be difficult, as it often involves studying particles at incredibly high speeds or in extreme environments.

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