Is the Inner Product for Dirac Spinors Antisymmetric?

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on proving the antisymmetry of the inner product for Dirac spinors, specifically the equation ψ(γ^aφ) = -(γ^aφ)ψ. Participants highlight the properties of the gamma matrices, noting that they satisfy the anticommutation relation {γ^a, γ^b} = 2η^{ab}I and that the hermitian conjugates of γ^0 and γ^i have specific behaviors. An attempt at a solution involves manipulating the indices and applying the properties of the gamma matrices, although there is uncertainty regarding the treatment of the indices and the assumption about spatial versus temporal components. The discussion seeks clarification on these points to solidify the proof. Overall, the thread emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of the mathematical properties of gamma matrices in the context of Dirac spinors.
LAHLH
Messages
405
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement


Show that \psi (\gamma^a\phi)=-(\gamma^a\phi)\psi

Homework Equations



Maybe \{\gamma^a, \gamma^b\}=\gamma^a\gamma^b+\gamma^b\gamma^a=2\eta^{ab}I

Perhaps also:

(\gamma^0)^{\dag}=\gamma^0 and (\gamma^i)^{\dag}=-(\gamma^i)

The Attempt at a Solution


The gammas are matrices so I guess we start with

\psi_{\mu}[(\gamma^a)^{\mu\nu}\phi_{\nu}]
=\psi_{\mu}[(((\gamma^a)^*)^{\dag})^{\nu\mu}\phi_{\nu}]
=-[(((\gamma^a)^*))^{\nu\mu}\psi_{\mu}]\phi_{\nu}

Which looks almost correct except the *, and also I'm not sure if I was supposed to assume that a can only refer to spatial indices, not the 0 which is equal to its hermitian conj, not minus it.

Thanks for any help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Anyone?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
95
Views
7K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K