What Are the Positive and Negative Energy Solutions of the Dirac Equation?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving the Dirac equation to identify its positive and negative energy solutions. It emphasizes substituting an ansatz into the equation and utilizing the anticommutation relations of gamma matrices to demonstrate the existence of both solution types. The conversation also touches on deriving the non-relativistic limit, where the upper spinor components correspond to positive-energy solutions that satisfy the Schrödinger equation, while the lower components vanish. Participants are encouraged to start by following the given instructions to progress in their understanding. The thread highlights the importance of foundational steps in tackling complex quantum mechanics problems.
Fidelio
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Hi!

Homework Statement



1. Substituting an ansatz \Psi(x)= u(p) e^{(-i/h) xp} into the Dirac equation and using \{\gamma^i,\gamma^j\} = 2 g^{ij}, show that the Dirac equation has both positive-energy and negative-energy solutions. Which are the allowed values of energy?

2. Starting from the DE, and using \Psi(x) = e^{(1 /i \hbar)}(\psi_u(\vec{x}), \psi_l(\vec{x}))^T, show that at the non-relativistic limit, the upper 2-component spinors, ##\psi_u(\vec {x})##, for the positive-energy solutions fullfill the Schrödinger equation while the lower spinors, ##\psi_l(\vec{x})##, vanish. Use the Dirac-Pauli representation.

Homework Equations


Dirac equation (covariant form) (i \hbar \gamma^\mu \partial_\mu - mc) \Psi(x) = 0
\gamma^i = \beta \alpha_i and \gamma^0 = \beta



The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea where to start. Any suggestions are welcome.
 
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Well, I would suggest that you start by doing what you were told to do! If you substitute u(p)e^{(-i/h)xp} into the Dirac equation, what do you get?
 
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