arXiv · 2305.18118
Space-Time-Matter: Some Notes on the Localization Problem in Relativistic Quantum Theory
Abstract
This work aims to shed some light on the meaning of the positive energy assumption in relativistic quantum theory and its relation to questions of localization of quantum systems. It is shown that the positive energy property of solutions of relativistic wave equations (such as the Dirac equation) is very fragile with respect to state transformations beyond free time evolution. Paying attention to the connection between negative energy Dirac wave functions and pair creation processes in second quantization, this analysis leads to a better understanding of a class of problems known as the localization problem of relativistic quantum theory (associated for instance with famous results of Newton and Wigner, Reeh and Schlieder, Hegerfeldt or Malament). Finally, this analysis is reflected from the perspective of a Bohmian quantum field theory.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Christian Beck. 2023-05-29. Space-Time-Matter: Some Notes on the Localization Problem in Relativistic Quantum Theory. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-45434-9_13
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.