Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

In summary: I think it was in a section on the anti-commutation relation. I'm not sure if it's in the same place in the book I have, but I think it would be worth searching for it.In summary, according to the wikipedia article, the spin-statistics theorem states that particles with integer spin are always bosons, and particles with half integer spin are always fermions. The theorem can be proven in a rigorous way, or it can be found by studying the canonical quantization of a few classical field theories.
  • #1
Funzies
20
0
Hey guys, I am attending my second course in quantum mechanics. At the moment we are studying two-particle-systems using Dirac notation. In our book (An introduction to quantum mechanics - Griffiths) the author wrote that one can prove from relativisitic quantum mechanics that particles with integer spin are always bosons and particles with half integer spin are always fermions.
I've been googling, trying to find this prove, but I can't find it. Does anyone here know a book or web page in which this is explained/proved?
Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Here is the wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spin-statistics_theorem" google spin statistics theorem proof and you'll find a few links.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
There has to be a proof somewhere in "PCT, spin and statistics, and all that" by Streater & Wightman, but I have only read a small part of that book. The book is really hard, so I expect the proof of the spin-statistics theorem to be too. (I haven't actually studied the theorem or its proof. I have only read a small part of that book).

An alternative to proving it rigorously as a theorem is to consider the canonical quantization of a few classical field theories. For the Dirac field, the usual quantization procedure only makes sense if the creation and annihilation operators satisfy an anti-commutation relation instead of the usual commutation relation. A consequence of that is that if you apply two creation operators to the vacuum state, you get the zero vector instead of a two-particle state. I think you can find this argument in most quantum field theory books that use the canonical quantization approach. I know you can find it in Mandl & Shaw.
 
  • #4
A proof for the spin-statistics theorem in the general case can be found in any serious axiomatic QFT book. However, before venturing in heavy maths, I would advise people go through Pauli's 1940 article in the Physical Review.
 
  • #5
Hello, Agree on Wikepedia.
 
  • #6
I remember coming across the proof somewhere in Franz Schwabl's advanced Quantum Mechanics book (Ch.13).
 

FAQ: Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

What is Relativistic Quantum Mechanics?

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics is a branch of physics that combines two theories, relativity and quantum mechanics, to describe the behavior of particles at high speeds or in strong gravitational fields. It is used to explain the behavior of subatomic particles, such as electrons, protons, and neutrons.

How does Relativistic Quantum Mechanics differ from Classical Mechanics?

Classical Mechanics is a theory that describes the motion of macroscopic objects, while Relativistic Quantum Mechanics focuses on the behavior of subatomic particles. In Relativistic Quantum Mechanics, particles are described by wavefunctions that can exist in multiple states simultaneously, unlike classical particles which have definite positions and velocities.

What is the significance of the speed of light in Relativistic Quantum Mechanics?

The speed of light, denoted by the symbol c, plays a crucial role in Relativistic Quantum Mechanics. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the speed of light is the maximum speed at which any object can travel. This concept is important in understanding the behavior of particles at high speeds and the effects of time dilation and length contraction.

Can Relativistic Quantum Mechanics explain the behavior of both particles and waves?

Yes, Relativistic Quantum Mechanics can explain the behavior of both particles and waves. According to the wave-particle duality principle, particles can also exhibit wave-like properties, and this is accounted for in Relativistic Quantum Mechanics. This theory uses mathematical equations, such as the Schrödinger equation, to describe the behavior of particles as waves.

What are some real-world applications of Relativistic Quantum Mechanics?

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics has many practical applications in modern technology, such as in the development of advanced materials, electronic devices, and medical imaging techniques. It is also used in high-energy physics experiments, such as particle accelerators, to study the behavior of subatomic particles at high speeds and energies.

Similar threads

Back
Top