arXiv · 0907.5178
Minimal Position-Velocity Uncertainty Wave Packets in Relativistic and Non-relativistic Quantum Mechanics
Abstract
We consider wave packets of free particles with a general energy-momentum dispersion relation $E(p)$. The spreading of the wave packet is determined by the velocity $v = \p_p E$. The position-velocity uncertainty relation $\Delta x \Delta v \geq {1/2} |< \p_p^2 E >|$ is saturated by minimal uncertainty wave packets $\Phi(p) = A \exp(- \alpha E(p) + \beta p)$. In addition to the standard minimal Gaussian wave packets corresponding to the non-relativistic dispersion relation $E(p) = p^2/2m$, analytic calculations are presented for the spreading of wave packets with minimal position-velocity uncertainty product for the lattice dispersion relation $E(p) = - \cos(p a)/m a^2$ as well as for the relativistic dispersion relation $E(p) = \sqrt{p^2 + m^2}$. The boost properties of moving relativistic wave packets as well as the propagation of wave packets in an expanding Universe are also discussed.
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U. -J. Wiese, M. H. Al-Hashimi. 2009-07-29. Minimal Position-Velocity Uncertainty Wave Packets in Relativistic and Non-relativistic Quantum Mechanics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aop.2009.09.001
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