P.A.M. Dirac and the Discovery of Quantum Mechanics
英文摘要:
This colloquium summarizes Dirac's contributions to the discovery of quantum mechanics before he invented his relativistic wave equation.
机构、总结、中文摘要均由AI分析而来,可能存在错误,请以论文正文为准。
Kurt Gottfried
This colloquium summarizes Dirac's contributions to the discovery of quantum mechanics before he invented his relativistic wave equation.
机构、总结、中文摘要均由AI分析而来,可能存在错误,请以论文正文为准。
继续探索
Dirac's contributions to the discovery of non-relativistic quantum mechanics and quantum electrodynamics, prior to his discovery of the relativistic wave equation, are described.
Scattering discussion due to Double Dirac Equation in Quaternionic version of relativistic quantum mechanics has been studied in this paper in details. In such a quantum mechanics Dirac equation in presence vector and scalar potential has been considered. Then a Quaternionic double Dirac delta potential comes to our considered system which causes to scatter the particles. Scattering states of the particles have been derived as well as reflected and transmission coefficients are calculated.
We construct a non-Grassmann spinning-particle model which, by analogy with quantum mechanics, does not admit the notion of a trajectory within the position space. The pseudo-classical character of the model allows us to avoid the inconsistencies arising in the quantum-mechanical interpretation of a one-particle sector of the Dirac equation.
In this work, a spin $\frac 12$ relativistic particle described by a generalized potential containing both the Coulomb potential and a Lorentz scalar potential in Dirac equation is investigated in terms of the generalized ladder operators from supersymmetry in quantum mechanics. This formalism is applied for the generalized Dirac-Coulomb problem, which is an exactly solvable potential in relativistic quantum mechanics. We obtain the energy eigenvalues and calculate explicitly the energy eigenfunctions for the ground state and the first excited state.
The Schr\" odinger picture of the Dirac quantum mechanics is defined in charts with spatially flat Robertson-Walker metrics and Cartesian coordinates. The main observables of this picture are identified, including the interacting part of the Hamiltonian operator produced by the minimal coupling with the gravitational field. It is shown that in this approach new Dirac quantum modes on de Sitter spacetimes may be found analytically solving the Dirac equation.
It has been found that quantum corrections can substantially affect the classical results of tracking for trajectories close to the separatrix. Hence the development of a basic formalism for obtaining the quantum maps for any particle beam optical system is called for. To this end, it is observed that several aspects of quantum maps for the beam optics of spin-1/2 particles can be studied, at the level of single particle dynamics, using the proper formalism based on the Dirac equation.
The Dirac oscillator is an exactly soluble model recently introduced in the context of many particle models in relativistic quantum mechanics. The model has been also considered as an interaction term for modelling quark confinement in quantum chromodynamics. These considerations should be enough for demonstrating that the Dirac oscillator can be an excellent example in relativistic quantum mechanics. In this paper we offer a solution to the problem and discuss some of its properties. We also discuss a physical picture for the Dirac oscillator's non-standard interaction, showing how it arises …
The Birth of Quantum Mechanics and the Dirac Equation
本文回顾1925-1928年间量子力学的形成期,重点讨论狄拉克方程的独立推导及其与范德瓦尔登群论方法的关系,同时探讨现代推导方法及量子力学发展三个阶段。
By a series of simple examples, we illustrate how the lack of mathematical concern can readily lead to surprising mathematical contradictions in wave mechanics. The basic mathematical notions allowing for a precise formulation of the theory are then summarized and it is shown how they lead to an elucidation and deeper understanding of the aforementioned problems. After stressing the equivalence between wave mechanics and the other formulations of quantum mechanics, i.e. matrix mechanics and Dirac's abstract Hilbert space formulation, we devote the second part of our paper to the latter approac…
The Dirac equation, usually obtained by `quantizing' a classical stochastic model is here obtained directly within classical statistical mechanics. The special underlying space-time geometry of the random walk replaces the missing analytic continuation, making the model `self-quantizing'. This provides a new context for the Dirac equation, distinct from its usual context in relativistic quantum mechanics.
Fundamental solutions for the free Dirac electron and Einstein photon equations in position coordinates are constructed as matrix valued functionals on the space of bump functions. It is shown that these fundamental solutions are related by a unitary transform via the Cauchy distribution in imaginary time. We study the way the classical relativistic mechanics of the free particle comes from the quantum mechanics of the free Dirac electron.
This is a write-up of Sidney Coleman's classic lecture first given as a Dirac Lecture at Cambridge University and later recorded when repeated at the New England sectional meeting of the American Physical Society (April 9, 1994). My sources have been this recording and a copy of the slides Sidney send to me after he gave the lecture as a Physics Colloquium at Stanford University some time between 1995 and 1998. To preserve both the scientific content and most of the charm, I have kept the editing to a minimum, but did add a bibliography containing the references Sidney mentioned.--Martin Greit…
Based on the assumption that the probability density of finding a free particle is independent of position, we infer the form of the eigenfunction for the free particle, $\bra{x} p > = \exp(ipx/\hbar)/\sqrt{2π\hbar}$. The canonical commutation relation between the momentum and position operators and the Ehrenfest theorem in the free particle case are derived solely from differentiation of the delta function and the form of $\bra{x} p >$.
By using the general concepts of special relativity and the requirements of quantum mechanics, Dirac equation is derived and studied. Only elementary knowledge of spin and rotations in quantum mechanics and standard handlings of linear algebra are employed for the development of the present work.
Scattering, bound states, and resonances in the one-dimensional Dirac equation via supersymmetric quantum mechanics
利用超对称量子力学和形状不变性,将一维狄拉克方程映射为有效薛定谔问题,解析求解双曲Pöschl–Teller型相互作用的透射概率,并通过解析延拓统一描述散射和束缚态。
Through a very careful analysis of Dirac's 1932 paper on the Lagrangian in Quantum Mechanics as well as the second and third editions of his classic book {\it The Principles of Quantum Mechanics}, I show that Dirac's contributions to the birth of the path-integral approach to quantum mechanics is not restricted to just his seminal demonstration of how Lagrangians appear naturally in quantum mechanics, but that Dirac should be credited for creating a path-integral which I call {\it Dirac path-integral} which is far more general than Feynman's while possessing all its desirable features. On top …
We apply the principles of discrete time mechanics discussed in earlier papers to the first and second quantised Dirac equation. We use the Schwinger action principle to find the anticommutation relations of the Dirac field and of the particle creation operators in the theory. We find new solutions to the discrete time Dirac equation, referred to as oscillons on account of their extraordinary behaviour. Their principal characteristic is that they oscillate with a period twice that of the fundamental time interval T of our theory. Although these solutions can be associated with definite charge,…
High approximations of semiclassical trajectory-coherent states (TCS) and of semiclassical Green function (in the class of semiclassically concentrated states) for the Dirac operator with anomalous Pauli interaction are obtained. For Schrodinger and Dirac operators trajectory-coherent representations are constructed up to any precision with respect to h, h-->0.
Drawing inspiration from Dirac's work on functions of non commuting observables, we develop a fresh approach to phase space descriptions of operators and the Wigner distribution in quantum mechanics. The construction presented here is marked by its economy, naturalness and more importantly, by its potential for extensions and generalisations to situations where the underlying configuration space is non Cartesian.
On Polymer Statistical Mechanics: From Gaussian Distribution to Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution to Fermi-Dirac Distribution
该研究指出聚合物熵弹性所用的高斯分布存在疑问,基于分子链结构推导从麦克斯韦-玻尔兹曼分布到费米-狄拉克分布的路径,用后者解释多种聚合物力学问题。
Authoritative appraisals qualified this book as an axiomatic theory. However, being its essential content no more than an analogy, its theoretical organization cannot be an axiomatic one. In fact, in the first edition Dirac declares to avoid an axiomatic presentation. Moreover, I show that the text is aimed at solving a basic problem: How quantum mechanics is similar to classical mechanics. A previous paper analyzed all past theories of physics, chemistry and mathematics, presented by the respective authors in a non-axiomatic way. Four characteristic features of a new model of organizing a the…
Dirac, Schroedinger, and Maxwell equations in scalar and vector field quantum mechanics
基于光子色散关系的相对论粒子量子理论,重新推导了狄拉克方程,并引入了向量场量子力学,将德布罗意波视为电磁波,重新定义了波粒二象性。
We obtain exact solutions of the (2+1) dimensional Dirac oscillator in a homogeneous magnetic field within a minimal length ($Δx_0=\hbar \sqrtβ$), or generalised uncertainty principle (GUP) scenario. This system in ordinary quantum mechanics has a single left-right chiral quantum phase transition (QPT). We show that a non zero minimal length turns on a infinite number of quantum phase transitions which accumulate towards the known QPT when $β\to 0$. It is also shown that the presence of the minimal length modifies the degeneracy of the states and that in this case there exist a new class of st…
The theorem known from Pauli equation about operators that anticommute with Dirac's $K$-operator is generalized to the Dirac equation. By means of this theorem the operator is constructed which governs the hidden symmetry in relativistic Coulomb problem (Dirac equation). It is proved that this operator coincides with the familiar Johnson-Lippmann one and is intimately connected to the famous Laplace-Runge-Lenz (LRL) vector. Our derivation is very simple and informative. It does not require a longtime and tedious calculations, as is offten underlined in most papers.
In a previous article a relationship was established between the linearized metrics of General Relativity associated with geodesics and the Dirac Equation of quantum mechanics. In this paper the extension of that result to arbitrary curves is investigated. The Dirac equation is derived and shown to be related to the Lie derivative of the momentum along the curve. In addition,the equations of motion are derived from the Hamilton-Jacobi equation associated with the metric and the wave equation associated with the Hamiltonian is then shown not to commute with the Dirac operator. Finally, the Maxw…
Schroedinger's great discovery of wave mechanics in 1926 - his annus mirabilis - is discussed in detail. Beside the six most important papers that appeared during the first half of 1926, letters between Schroedinger and leading physicists at this time are main sources of this account.
In this paper we present for the first time a complete description of the Bohm model of the Dirac particle. This result demonstrates again that the common perception that it is not possible to construct a fully relativistic version of the Bohm approach is incorrect. We obtain the fully relativistic version by using an approach based on Clifford algebras outlined in two earlier papers by Hiley and by Hiley and Callaghan. The relativistic model is different from the one originally proposed by Bohm and Hiley and by Doran and Lasenby. We obtain exact expressions for the Bohm energy-momentum densit…
Three dimensional (3D) topological insulators are novel states of quantum matter that feature spin-momentum locked helical Dirac fermions on their surfaces and hold promise to open new vistas in spintronics, quantum computing and fundamental physics. Experimental realization of many of the predicted topological phenomena requires finding multi-variant topological band insulators which can be multiply connected to magnetic semiconductors and superconductors. Here we present our theoretical prediction and experimental discovery of several new topological insulator classes in AB2X4(124), A2B2X5(2…
The derivation becomes possible when we find a new formalism which connects the relativistic mechanics with the quantum mechanics. In this paper, we explore the quantum wave nature from the Newtonian mechanics by using a concept: velocity field. At first, we rewrite the relativistic Newton's second law as a field equation in terms of the velocity field, which directly reveals a new relationship connecting to the quantum mechanics. Next, we show that the Dirac equation can be derived from the field equation in a rigorous and consistent manner.
We introduce the confluent version of the quantum-mechanical supersymmetry (SUSY) formalism for the Dirac equation with a pseudoscalar potential. Application of the formalism to spectral problems is discussed, regularity conditions for the transformed potentials are derived, and normalizability of the transformed solutions is established. Our findings extend and complement former results.
A possible quantum-mechanical origin of statistical mechanics is discussed, and microcanonical and canonical ensembles of bosons and fermions are derived from the stationary Schrödinger equation in a unified manner. The interaction Hamiltonians are constructed by the use of the discrete phase operators and the gauge-theoretical structure associated with them. It is shown how the interaction Hamiltonians stipulated by the gauge symmetry generate the specific patterns of entanglement that are desired for establishing microcanonical ensembles. A discussion is also made about the interrelation bet…
We consider the quantum simulation of relativistic quantum mechanics, as described by the Dirac equation and classical potentials, in trapped-ion systems. We concentrate on three problems of growing complexity. First, we study the bidimensional relativistic scattering of single Dirac particles by a linear potential. Furthermore, we explore the case of a Dirac particle in a magnetic field and its topological properties. Finally, we analyze the problem of two Dirac particles that are coupled by a controllable and confining potential. The latter interaction may be useful to study important phenom…
We construct generalized quantum Cauchy pre-measures that correspond to the analytic continuation of the transition probability of the Cauchy process to imaginary time. We show that these complex pre-measures of time translations extend to a measure on the space dual to a real Hilbert space whose support is locally compact in the uniform convergence topology and with velocities in the Hilbert space. At that the quantum Cauchy-Dirac and Cauchy-Maxwell pre-measures of time translations of electrons and photons, that correspond to the retarded Green's functions of the Dirac and Maxwell equations …
p-Adic Quantum Mechanics, the Dirac Equation, and the violation of Einstein causality
提出以三维p进向量描述位置的新p进Dirac方程,说明Planck尺度下Lorentz对称性破缺,并证明其允许局域解但违反Einstein因果性。
We derive an equivalent traveling wave form description for Dirac field. In the non-relativistic limit, such form can reduce to inverse-Galilean transformed Schrodinger-type equation. We find that, the resulting two-component Schrodinger-type equation from the reduction of traveling wave form description of Dirac field is different to the naive Galilean transformed Schrodinger equation. Taking into account the interactions of the system to electromagnetic field by adding proper forms of covariant derivative, the traveling wave form description for Pauli equation can be similarly obtained in th…
It is proved by a functional method that the conventional expression for the Dirac current is the only conserved 4-vector implied by the Dirac equation that is a function of just the quantum state. The demonstration is extended to derive the unique conserved currents implied by the coupled Maxwell-Dirac equations and the Klein-Gordon equation. The uniqueness of the usual Pauli and Schrodinger currents follows by regarding these as the non-relativistic limits of the Dirac and Klein-Gordon currents, respectively. The existence and properties of further conserved vectors that are not functions of…
The importance of the energy spectrum of bound states and their restrictions in quantum mechanics due to the different methods have been used for calculating and determining the limit of them. Comparison of Schrodinger-like equation obtained by Dirac equation with the non-relativistic solvable models is the most efficient methods. By this technique, the exact relativistic solutions of Dirac equation for Hartmann and Ring-Shaped oscillator potentials are accessible, when the scalar potential equals to the vector potential. Using solvable non-relativistic quantum mechanics systems as a basic mod…
We develop relativistic wave equations in the framework of the new non-hermitian ${\cal PT}$ quantum mechanics. The familiar Hermitian Dirac equation emerges as an exact result of imposing the Dirac algebra, the criteria of ${\cal PT}$-symmetric quantum mechanics, and relativistic invariance. However, relaxing the constraint that in particular the mass matrix be Hermitian also allows for models that have no counterpart in conventional quantum mechanics. For example it is well-known that a quartet of Weyl spinors coupled by a Hermitian mass matrix reduces to two independent Dirac fermions; here…
Dirac particle dynamics is encoded as a unitary path summation rule and implemented on a qubit array, where the qubit array represents both spacetime and the fermions contained therein. The unitary path summation rule gives a quantum algorithm to model a many-body system of Dirac particles in a gauge field with Lorentz invariance down to the grid scale (Planck scale)--the lattice-based model neither suffers the Fermi-sign problem nor breaks Lorentz invariance. Yet, for the Dirac Hamiltonian to generate the unitary evolution of the 4-spinor field at the Planck scale, there is time dilation betw…
A self-adjoint dynamical time operator is introduced in Dirac's relativistic formulation of quantum mechanics and shown to satisfy a commutation relation with the Hamiltonian analogous to that of the position and momentum operators. The ensuing time-energy uncertainty relation involves the uncertainty in the instant of time when the wave packet passes a particular spatial position and the energy uncertainty associated with the wave packet at the same time, as envisaged originally by Bohr. The instantaneous rate of change of the position expectation value with respect to the simultaneous expect…
The Dirac Equation, Mass and Arithmetic by Permutations of Automaton States
本文从元胞自动机诠释出发,构造具有环面拓扑的“项链之项链”自动机来表示1+1维狄拉克方程,并重点处理其质量项及逐步更新所需的散射算符。
A rigorous \textit{ab initio} derivation of the (square of) Dirac's equation for a single particle with spin is presented. The general Hamilton-Jacobi equation for the particle expressed in terms of a background Weyl's conformal geometry is found to be linearized, exactly and in closed form, by an \textit{ansatz} solution that can be straightforwardly interpreted as the "quantum wave function" $ψ_4$ of the 4-spinor Dirac's equation. In particular, all quantum features of the model arise from a subtle interplay between the conformal curvature of the configuration space acting as a potential and…
In this work, Schrödinger and Dirac equations will be examined in geometries that confine the particles to hypersurfaces. For this purpose, two methods will be considered. The first method is the thin layer method which relies on explicit use of geometrical relations and the squeezing of a certain coordinate of space (or spacetime). The second is Dirac's quantization procedure involving the modification of canonical quantization making use of the geometrical constraints. For the Dirac equation, only the first method will be considered. Lastly, the results of the two methods will be compared an…
In this article we present a detailed description of an electron in a uniform magnetic field evolving under the Schrödinger equation using ladder operators. Based on this analysis, we describe the same physical system using the Dirac equation, known from relativistic quantum mechanics. The main differences between these two quantum mechanical approaches are discussed and we observe specifically how the relativistic phenomena modify the description of this particular quantum system.
We present a mathematical formalism of non-Hermitian quantum mechanics, following the Dirac-von Neumann formalism of quantum mechanics. In this formalism, the state postulate is the same as in the Dirac-von Neumann formalism, but the observable postulate should be changed to include para-Hermitian operators (spectral operators of scalar type with real spectrum) representing observable, as such both the measurement postulate and the evolution postulate must be modified accordingly. This is based on a Stone type theorem as proved here that the dynamics of non-Hermitian quantum systems is governe…
This article is a pedagogical introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics of the free Majorana particle. This relatively simple theory differs from the well-known quantum mechanics of the Dirac particle in several important aspects. We present its three equivalent formulations. Next, so called axial momentum observable is introduced, and general solution of the Dirac equation is discussed in terms of eigenfunctions of that operator. Pertinent irreducible representations of the Poincaré group are discussed. Finally, we show that in the case of massless Majorana particle the quantum mechanics…
The lifelong efforts of Paul A. M. Dirac were to construct localized quantum systems in the Lorentz covariant world. In 1927, he noted that the time-energy uncertainty should be included in the Lorentz-covariant picture. In 1945, he attempted to construct a representation of the Lorentz group using a normalizable Gaussian function localized both in the space and time variables. In 1949, he introduced his instant form to exclude time-like oscillations. He also introduced the light-cone coordinate system for Lorentz boosts. Also in 1949, he stated the Lie algebra of the inhomogeneous Lorentz gro…
A rigorous \textit{ab initio} derivation of the (square of) Dirac's equation for a single particle with spin is presented. The general Hamilton-Jacobi equation for the particle expressed in terms of a background Weyl's conformal geometry is found to be linearized, exactly and in closed form, by an \textit{ansatz} solution that can be straightforwardly interpreted as the "quantum wave function" $ψ_4$ of the 4-spinor Dirac's equation. In particular, all quantum features of the model arise from a subtle interplay between the conformal curvature of the configuration space acting as a potential and…
A novel interpretation is given of Dirac's "wave equation for the relativistic electron" as a quantum-mechanical one-particle equation. In this interpretation the electron and the positron are merely the two different "topological spin" states of a single more fundamental particle, not distinct particles in their own right. The new interpretation is backed up by the existence of such bi-particle structures in general relativity, in particular the ring singularity present in any spacelike section of the maximal analytically extended, topologically non-trivial, electromagnetic Kerr-Newman spacet…
In this paper we show how Dirac, in 1947, anticipated the Bohm approach using an argument based on what is now called the Heisenberg picture. From a detailed examination of these ideas, we show that the role played by the Dirac standard ket is equivalent to the introduction and use of the idempotent in the orthogonal and symplectic Clifford algebras. This formalism is then used to show that the so-called `Bohm trajectories' are the average of an ensemble of individual stochastic Feynman paths. Since the Bohm approach can be simply reduced to classical mechanics, the algebraic formalism present…
We develop a new concept of quantum mechanics which is based on a generalized space-time and on an action vector space similar to it. Both spaces are provided by algebraic properties. This allows to calculate the Dirac matrixes and to derive quantum mechanics equations from structure equations of the specified algebras. A new interpretation of the wave function is given as differential of the action vector. A generalization of the Dirac equation for 8-component wave function is derived. It is interpreted as the equation for two leptons of the same generation. A procedure of the approximate des…
The Energy Eigenvalue for the Singular Wave Function of the Three Dimensional Dirac Delta Schrodinger Potential via Distributionally Generalized Quantum Mechanics
针对三维狄拉克δ势中波函数奇异导致薛定谔方程不适定的问题,本文用分布广义量子力学严格求解,无需重整化,得到与文献一致的束缚态能量,并建立了Hellmann-Feynman定理的分布版本。
Quantum mechanics is challenging even for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Dirac notation is a convenient notation used extensively in quantum mechanics. We have been investigating the difficulties that the advanced undergraduate and graduate students have with Dirac notation. We administered written free response and multiple-choice questions to students and also conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 23 students using a think-aloud protocol to obtain a better understanding of the rationale behind their responses. We find that many students struggle with Dirac notat…
Spacetime Algebra (STA) provides unified, matrix-free spinor methods for rotational dynamics in classical theory as well as quantum mechanics. That makes it an ideal tool for studying particle models of zitterbewegung and using them to study zitterbewegung in the Dirac theory. This paper develops a self-contained dynamical model of the electron as a lightlike particle with helical zitterbewegung and electromagnetic interactions. It attributes to the electron an electric dipole moment oscillating with ultrahigh frequency, and the possibility of observing this directly as a resonance in electron…
We study the non-relativistic limit of a paradigmatic model in Relativistic Quantum Mechanics, the two-dimensional Dirac oscillator. Remarkably, we find a novel kind of Zitterbewegung which persists in this non-relativistic regime, and leads to an observable deformation of the particle orbit. This effect can be interpreted in terms of a Ramsey Interferometric phenomenon, allowing an insightful connection between Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Optics. Furthermore, subsequent corrections to the non-relativistic limit, which account for the usual spin-orbit Zitterbewegung, can be neat…
A relativistic Hamiltonian mechanical system is seen as a conservative Dirac constraint system on the cotangent bundle of a pseudo-Riemannian manifold. We provide geometric quantization of this cotangent bundle where the quantum constraint serves as a relativistic quantum equation.
The Lorentz-Dirac radiation reaction formula predicts that the position shift of a charged particle due to the radiation reaction is of first order in acceleration if it undergoes a small acceleration. A semi-classical calculation shows that this is impossible at least if the acceleration is due to a time-independent potential. Thus, the Lorentz-Dirac formula gives an incorrect classical limit in this situation. The correct classical limit of the position shift at the lowest order in acceleration is obtained by assuming that the energy loss at each time is given by the Larmor formula.
A weakness which has previously seemed unavoidable in particle interpretations of quantum mechanics (such as in the de Broglie-Bohm model) is addressed here and a resolution proposed. The weakness in question is the lack of action and reaction occurring between the model's field (or "pilot wave") and the particle. Although the field acts on the particle, the particle does not act back on the field. It is shown here that this rather artificial feature is, in fact, not necessary and can be fully eliminated while remaining consistent with the usual quantum predictions. Mathematically this amounts…
The generalized Dirac oscillator as one of the exact solvable model in quantum mechanics was introduced in 2+1-dimensional world in this paper. What is more, the general expressions of the exact solutions for these models with the inverse cubic, quartic, quintic and sixtic power potentials in radial Dirac equation were further given by means of the Bethe ansatz method. And finally, the corresponding exact solutions in this paper were further discussed.
Quantization Mapping on Dirac Dynamics via Voltage-Driven Charge Density in Monolayer Graphene: A Klein Paradox and Entropy-Ruled Wavevector Mechanics Study
本研究通过电压驱动电荷密度的经验关系,利用微分熵控波矢力学对狄拉克材料进行能量量子化映射,揭示了克莱因悖论下的电子动力学,并发现量子态跃迁遵循N(k)=N(U)^3关系。
扫码添加微信好友,提出您的宝贵建议 👇
💡 备注请填写:网站反馈
发表机构由 AI 从论文文本抽取,如发现错误,欢迎反馈修正建议。