Dirac Definition and 900 Threads

Paul Adrien Maurice Dirac (; 8 August 1902 – 20 October 1984) was an English theoretical physicist who is regarded as one of the most significant physicists of the 20th century.Dirac made fundamental contributions to the early development of both quantum mechanics and quantum electrodynamics. Among other discoveries, he formulated the Dirac equation which describes the behaviour of fermions and predicted the existence of antimatter. Dirac shared the 1933 Nobel Prize in Physics with Erwin Schrödinger "for the discovery of new productive forms of atomic theory". He also made significant contributions to the reconciliation of general relativity with quantum mechanics.
Dirac was regarded by his friends and colleagues as unusual in character. In a 1926 letter to Paul Ehrenfest, Albert Einstein wrote of Dirac, "I have trouble with Dirac. This balancing on the dizzying path between genius and madness is awful." In another letter he wrote, "I don't understand Dirac at all (Compton effect)."He was the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, was a member of the Center for Theoretical Studies, University of Miami, and spent the last decade of his life at Florida State University.

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  1. Sophrosyne

    B The Dirac equation and the spectrum of the hydrogen atom

    I was reading that one of the successes of the Dirac equation was that it was able to account for the fine structure of some of the differences in the spectrum of the hydrogen atom. But the Dirac equation is about subatomic particles moving at relativistic velocities. But an electron around the...
  2. A

    How Can I Integrate with Dirac Delta in this Expression?

    Homework Statement I need to integrate this expression : P(k, w) = A * δ(w-k*v) * f(k, w) A is constant and δ, Dirac Delta.Homework Equations [/B] There is double integration : I = ∫0∞ dk ∫0∞ P(k,w) dw = A ∫∫0∞ δ(w-k*v) * f(k, w) dw dk The Attempt at a Solution [/B] I'm confused with...
  3. S

    How Does the Darwin Term Relate to Commutators in Quantum Mechanics?

    Homework Statement I am trying to fill in the steps between equations in the derivation of the coordinate representation of the Darwin term of the Dirac Hamiltonian in the Hydrogen Fine Structure section in Shankar's Principles of Quantum Mechanics. $$ H_D=\frac{1}{8 m^2...
  4. R

    I Are special relativity rules encoded in the Dirac equation?

    This may seem like a stupid question, but i can't get my head around this so please bear with me. I just looked at the derivation of Dirac equation and my question is: do the solutions for a free particle obey special relativity? because if yes why? I mean I thought using E2=(mc2)2+(pc)2 would...
  5. P

    Dirac Lagrangian invariance under chiral transformation

    Consider the Dirac Lagrangian, L =\overline{\psi}\left(i\gamma^{\mu}\partial_{\mu}-m\right)\psi, where \overline{\psi}=\psi^{\dagger}\gamma^{0} , and show that, for \alpha\in\mathbb{R} and in the limit m\rightarrow0 , it is invariant under the chiral transformation...
  6. olgerm

    I Bracket VS wavefunction notation in QM

    In some sources QM is explained using bracket notation. I quite understand algebra of bracket notation, but I do not understand how is this notation related with physically meaningful things? How is bracket notation related to wavefunction notation? Could you tell me whether following is true...
  7. H

    I Square of Dirac delta function

    Is the square of a Dirac delta function, ##(\delta(x))^2##, still a Dirac delta function, ##\delta(x)##? A Dirac delta function peaks at one value of ##x##, say 0. If it is squared, it still peaks at the same value, so it seems like the squared Dirac delta function is still a Dirac delta...
  8. Pushoam

    Dirac delta function in spherical cordinates

    Homework Statement Calculate ##\int_{r=0}^\inf δ_r (r -r_0)\,dr## Homework Equations ##\int_V \delta^3(\vec{r} - \vec{r}') d\tau = 1## The Attempt at a Solution $$\int_V \delta^3(\vec{r} - \vec{r}') d\tau = \int_V \frac {1}{r^2 sinθ}\delta_r(r-r_0) \delta_θ (θ-θ_0) \delta_Φ (Φ-Φ_0) r^2...
  9. Akineton

    I Transformation matrix from Dirac to Weyl

    Hello friends, I'm trying to construct transformation matrix S such that it transforms Dirac representations of gamma matrices into Chiral ones. I know that this S should be hermitian and unitary and from this I arrived an equation with 2 matrices on the LHS (a known matrix multiplied by S from...
  10. QuarkDecay

    Evolved wave function in Dirac formalism

    A system of |1> and |2>, in the beggining has a function |Ψ(0)>= cosa|1> + sina|2>. The energy of the system is; https://i.imgur.com/I0C7BFg.png a, ε,n are known. Find the |Ψ(t)> The solution is; https://i.imgur.com/urWs6XW.png It is known that; |Ψ(t)>= e^(-iHt/ħ) * |Ψ(0)> but I don't...
  11. redtree

    I Understanding the Dirac Delta function

    I just want to make sure that I am understanding the Dirac Delta function properly. Is the following correct?: For two variables ##x## and ##y##: \begin{equation} \begin{split} \delta(x-y) f(x) &= f(y) \end{split} \end{equation} And: \begin{equation} \begin{split} \delta(x-x) f(x) &=...
  12. P

    How Can Dirac Notation Be Used to Determine Eigenvalues and Eigenfunctions?

    Homework Statement I have the following question (see below) Homework Equations The eigenvalue equation is Au = pu where u denotes the eigenstate and p denotes the eigenvalue The Attempt at a Solution I think that the eigenvalues are +1 and - 1, and the states are (phi + Bphi) and (phi-Bphi)...
  13. D

    A Dirac Delta and Residue Calculus

    I'm an undergraduate student, so I understand that it may be difficult to provide an answer that I can understand, but I have experience using both the Dirac delta function and residue calculus in a classroom setting, so I'm at least familiar with how they're applied. Whether you're integrating...
  14. T

    Dirac spinors in non-relativistic limit

    So, I have to show that in the non-relativistic limit the lower two components of the positive energy solutions to the Dirac equation are smaller than the upper two components by a factor of ##\beta##. I started with the spinor $$\psi = \begin{pmatrix} \phi \\ \frac {\vec \sigma \cdot \vec p}...
  15. Vitani11

    Representation of vectors in a new basis using Dirac notation?

    Homework Statement I have a vector V with components v1, v2in some basis and I want to switch to a new (orthonormal) basis a,b whose components in the old basis are given. I want to find the representation of vector V in the new orthonormal basis i.e. find the components va,vb such that |v⟩ =...
  16. redtree

    I Deriving resolution of the identity without Dirac notation

    I am familiar with the derivation of the resolution of the identity proof in Dirac notation. Where ## | \psi \rangle ## can be represented as a linear combination of basis vectors ## | n \rangle ## such that: ## | \psi \rangle = \sum_{n} c_n | n \rangle = \sum_{n} | n \rangle c_n ## Assuming an...
  17. Nod

    A Quantized Dirac field calculations

    Hi everyone! I'm having a problem with calculating the fermionic propagator for the quantized Dirac field as in the attached pdf. The step that puzzles me is the one performed at 5.27 to get 5.28. Why can I take outside (iγ⋅∂+m) if the second term in 5.27 has (iγ⋅∂-m)? And why there's a...
  18. C

    Physics Too much Dirac, too little Onsager and Landau?

    Currently I'm set to pursue solid state physics in a EE department, working on more practical theory. However I'm seeing a lot of papers studying mathematically obfuscatory topics such as topological materials, Berry's phase, quantum phase transitions, and other abstruse (albeit important and...
  19. M

    I Question(s) about Dirac notation

    I promise that anytime I have question about Dirac notation I will ask it in this thread. I do not know how to parse the following Dirac notation. |\Psi'\rangle = |u\rangle |U\rangle Can someone please convert the Dirac notation to matrix notation?
  20. S

    A Manipulation with the Dirac equation

    I know that the Dirac equation is ##i\gamma^{\mu}\partial_{\mu}\psi=m\psi##. How do I use this to show that ##(\partial_{\mu}\bar{\psi})\gamma^{\mu}=im\bar{\psi}##?
  21. K

    I Solution to the Dirac equation

    Hello! I have a question regarding the construction of solutions to the Diracequation for generell \vec{p} . In my lecturenotes (and also in Itzykson/Zuber) it is stated that it is easier than boosting the restframe-solutions, to construct them by using...
  22. C

    B Dirac Equation: Combining Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity

    When Dirac tried to combine Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity. Wasn't he initially worried that one was undeterministic (QM) and the second was continuous (SR). They are supposed to be incompatible. yet he combined them. Did Dirac do it by just considering the time dilation and other...
  23. T

    I Exploring the Differences Between Dirac and Majorana Masses

    Hello, I am having a real problem trying to figure out what a Majorana mass is. The only thing I gather so far is that dirac mass is the mass that is the result of the Higgs Mechanism. What exactly is the Majorana mass, and for which particles does it exist.Thank you
  24. Dopplershift

    Solving 3-D Dirac Delta Function Homework Question?

    Homework Statement \begin{equation} \int_V (r^2 - \vec{2r} \cdot \vec{r}') \ \delta^3(\vec{r} - \vec{r}') d\tau \end{equation} where: \begin{equation} \vec{r}' = 3\hat{x} + 2\hat{y} + \hat{z} \end{equation} Where d $\tau$ is the volume element, and V is a solid sphere with radius 4, centered...
  25. Milsomonk

    I From Pauli spinors to Dirac spinors

    Hey guys, Hope all is well. I am trying to understand the process that takes us from the Pauli equation to the Dirac equation. Whilst I understand the motivation is to have a lorrentz covariant equation I don't really understand A.) how this was done B.) what the physical result...
  26. arivero

    I Exploring the Reason Behind SU(3)xU(1) Group Acting on Dirac Fermions

    This is a companion question to https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/why-su-3-xsu-2-xu-1.884004/ Of course the Higgs mechanism over the standard model produces this low-energy group, SU(3)xU(1), which acts on Dirac fermions (this is, no Left-Right asymmetry anymore). Is there some reason...
  27. DiracPool

    B Understanding the Purpose of Dirac Spin Matrices

    So, we can break down the Dirac equation into 4 "component" equations for the wave function. I was going to post a question here a few days ago asking if a fermion (electron) could possesses a "spin" even if it were at rest, I.e., p=0. I did an internet scan, though, and found out that...
  28. T

    A Help to rewrite Dirac equation

    $$i\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial t} = \frac{1}{2m} (\sigma .P)(\sigma .P)\phi + eφ\phi$$ Rewriting the equation by using B = ∇ × A and e = −|e| (electron charge) leads to a Schr¨odinger like equation: $$i\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial t} =[ \frac{1}{2m} (-i∇ + |e|A)^2 + \frac{|e|}{2m} σ.B - |e|φ...
  29. arpon

    I Dirac Delta using Fourier Transformation

    We know, $$\delta(x) = \begin{cases} \infty & \text{if } x = 0 \\ 0 & \text{if } x \neq 0 \end{cases}$$ And, also, $$\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\delta(x)\,dx=1$$ Using Fourier Transformation, it can be shown that, $$\delta(x)=\lim_{\Omega \rightarrow \infty}\frac{\sin{(\Omega x)}}{\pi x}$$ Let's...
  30. T

    I Why Use Different Components for E>0 and E<0 in Dirac Equation?

    I just started learning this so I am a bit lost. This is where I am lost http://www.nyu.edu/classes/tuckerman/quant.mech/lectures/lecture_7/node1.html . Why when E>0, we use $$\phi_p= \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 0 \\ \end{pmatrix} $$ or $$ \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\...
  31. A

    Bound state of 3-dimensional Dirac well

    Homework Statement A particle of mass ##m## is in a spherically symmetric potential ##V = -\alpha\delta(|r|-a)##. Find the minimum value of ##\alpha## such that there is at least one bound state. Homework Equations ##u = \frac{R}{r}## ##-\frac{\hbar^2}{2m} \frac{d^2u}{dr^2} + \left[V +...
  32. A

    MHB Dimension of Dirac Functionals in $V$: Find the Answer

    I am very much struggling with this problem: The set $\{\sin x, \cos x, x \sin x, x \cos x, x+2, x^2-1 \}$ on interval of $[0, \pi]$ is linearly independent and generates vector space $V$. Find the dimension of the kernel of the Dirac functionals in $V$. Here are what I know of the definitions...
  33. S

    A Algebra - Clifford, Dirac, Lorentz

    In the representation theory of Lorentz transformations, the words Clifford algebra and Dirac algebra are used interchangeably. However, there is a distinction between the two. Indeed, the Dirac algebra is the particular Clifford algebra ##Cl_{4}({\bf{C}})\equiv Cl_{1,3}({\bf{C}})## with a basis...
  34. J

    I Plane wave solution to Dirac equation

    Hi, I'm recently reading an introductory text about particle physics and there is a section about the Dirac equation. I think I can understand the solutions for rest particles, but the plane wave solutions appear to be a bit weird to me. For instance, when the upper states are (1 0), the lower...
  35. N

    Dirac notation for conjugacy class

    Is the RHS of the conjugate relationship Ad(g)x = gxg-1 from the Lie algebra equivalent to: <g|λ|g> In the Dirac notation of quantum mechanics? I am looking at this in the context of gluons where g is a 3 x 1 basis matrix consisting of components r,g,b, g-1 is a 1 x 3 matrix consisting of...
  36. falcon555

    Is Fermi-Dirac Probability Part B Solvable?

    Hi dear friends Please reffer to my work , I did part ( a ) Can someone help me to solve part( b ) Please
  37. falcon555

    Calculating Fermi Dirac Probability - Part B Guide

    Hi dear friends Please reffer to my work , I did part ( a ) only Could you please help me to do part ( b ) I don't know how to do it.
  38. P

    How Does the Dirac Delta Function Apply to Trigonometric Integrals?

    Homework Statement hi i have to find the result of ##\int_{0}^{\pi}[\delta(cos\theta-1)+ \delta(cos\theta+1)]sin\theta d\theta## Homework Equations i know from Dirac Delta Function that ##\int \delta(x-a)dx=1## if the region includes x=a and zero otherwise The Attempt at a Solution first i...
  39. K

    Quantum Quantum Physics Books: Learn Heisenberg, Dirac, Pauli & More

    I'm really interested in quantum theory and would like to learn all that I can about it. I'm looking books for learning quantum physics that contains derivation of Heisenberg uncertainty principle, dirac notation, pauli matrices, quantum operators, hawking radiation, etc. What are good books to...
  40. M

    A How Does the Dirac Spin Exchange Operator Work in Quantum Mechanics?

    The spin exchange operator would have the property $$\begin{align*}P\mid \chi_{\uparrow\downarrow} \rangle = \mid\chi_{\downarrow\uparrow} \rangle & &P\mid \chi_{\downarrow\uparrow} \rangle =\mid \chi_{\uparrow\downarrow} \rangle \end{align*}$$ This also implies ##P\mid \chi_{\text{sym.}}...
  41. I

    I Is the Gradient of Dirac Delta Independent of the Coordinate System?

    Dear all, I have a quick question, is the following statement true? $$\nabla_\textbf{x'} \delta(\textbf{x}-\textbf{x'}) = \nabla_\textbf{x} \delta(\textbf{x}-\textbf{x'})?$$ I thought I have seen this somewhere before, but I could not remember where and why. I know the identity ##d/dx...
  42. DiracPool

    B Dirac Equation vs. Schrodinger Equation

    The Dirac equation is the more generalized form of the Schrodinger equation and accounts for relativistic effects of particle motion (say an electron) by using a second order derivative for the energy operator. If you have an electron that is moving slowly relative to the speed of light, then...
  43. Arbab

    Why the particle velocity in Dirac theory is equal to c?

    In Dirac theory the electron velocity is equal to the speed of light. Why should that appear? Why should we try to solve this problem outside quantum mechanics hypothesis? Should we look for an alternative theory?
  44. B

    B Dirac Equation vs Wave Function

    Hi, under what equation does the Dirac Equation fall under versus that of the Wave Function. Why is Antimatter from Dirac Equation really there but the wave function is not real? Because if Antimatter exist from an equation of complex numbers.. why can't the wave function be real too?
  45. stevendaryl

    I Time/space symmetry in Dirac Equation

    Is \frac{\partial}{\partial t} an operator on Hilbert space? I'm a little confused about the symmetry between spatial coordinates and time in relativistic QM. There is a form of the Dirac equation that treats these symmetrically: i \gamma^\mu \partial_\mu \Psi = m \Psi However, at least in...
  46. carllacan

    I Why do Dirac spinors obey the Klein-Gordon equation?

    The solutions to the Dirac equation are also solutions of the Klein-Gordon equation, which is the equation of motion for the real scalar field. I can see that the converse is not true, but why do spinors follow the equation for real-field particles? Is there any physical meaning to it?
  47. carllacan

    I Why did Dirac want a first-order equation?

    If I understand it correctly Dirac developed his equation because he was looking for a relativistic first order wave equation for the electron, rather than a second-order one like the Klein-Gordon equation. Why did he wanted a first-order equation? Is it because the probability current is not...
  48. Muthumanimaran

    Are Products of Dirac Delta Functions Well-Defined?

    Homework Statement δ(z*-z0*)δ(z+z0)=? δ(z*+z0*)δ(z-z0)=? where 'z' is a complex variable 'z0' is a complex number Formula is just enough, derivation is not needed.
  49. Muthumanimaran

    What is the product of two Dirac delta functions

    Homework Statement What is the product of two Dirac delta functions δ(Real(z-c))δ(Img(z-c))=? 'z' and 'c' are complex numbers. This is not a problem, But I just need to use this formula in a derivation that I am currently doing. I just want the product of these two Dirac delta functions as a...
  50. Summer95

    How Does the Dirac Delta Function Solve the Differential Equation?

    Homework Statement Differential equation: ##Ay''+By'+Cy=f(t)## with ##y_{0}=y'_{0}=0## Write the solution as a convolution (##a \neq b##). Let ##f(t)= n## for ##t_{0} < t < t_{0}+\frac{1}{n}##. Find y and then let ##n \rightarrow \infty##. Then solve the differential equation with...
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