arXiv · 1308.4313
Spin operator in the Dirac theory
Abstract
We find all spin operators for a Dirac particle satisfying the following very general conditions: (i) spin does not convert positive (negative) energy states into negative (positive) energy states, (ii) spin is a pseudo-vector, and (iii) eigenvalues of the projection of a spin operator on an arbitrary direction are independent of this direction (isotropy condition). We show that there are four such operators and all of them fulfill the standard su(2) Lie algebra commutation relations. Nevertheless, only one of them has a proper non-relativistic limit and acts in the same way on negative and positive energy states. We show also that this operator is equivalent to the Newton-Wigner spin operator and Foldy-Wouthuysen mean-spin operator. We also discuss another operators proposed in the literature.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Pawel Caban, Jakub Rembieliński, Marta Włodarczyk. 2013-08-20. Spin operator in the Dirac theory. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.88.022119
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.