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Waldyr A. Rodrigues Jr

Publications and source records attributed to Waldyr A. Rodrigues Jr.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

From the Photon to Maxwell Equation. Ponderations on the Concept of Photon Localizability and Photon Trajectory in a de Broglie-Bohm Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

In this paper using the Clifford bundle formalism we show how starting from the photon concept and its relativistic Hamilton-Jacobi equation (HJE) we immediately get (with a simple hypothesis concerning the form of the photon canonical momentum) Maxwell equation (ME) satisfied by a null $2$-form field $\boldsymbol{F}$ which is a plane wave solution (PWS) of ME. Moreover, we show how introducing a potential $1$-form $\boldsymbol{A}$ such that $\boldsymbol{F}=d\boldsymbol{A}$ we can see how a duality rotation changed in a \ spatial rotation transformation besides showing how $\mathrm{i}=\sqrt{-1}$ enters Maxwell theory thus permitting the writing of a representative of ME as Schrödinger like equation which plays a key role in answering one of the main questions addressed in this paper, namely: is there any sense in talking about photon trajectories in de Broglie-Bohm like theories? To this end we investigate first the nature of the energy-momentum \emph{extensor} field of the Maxwell field $\mathbf{T}(n)$ in some special situations showing that for some of those cases $\mathbf{T}_{0}=\mathbf{T}(\boldsymbolγ_{0})$ even cannot describe the flow of energy. A proposed solution is offered. We also prove that there exists a pulse reshaping phenomenon even in vacuum. Finally we discuss the Schrödinger equation for a photon that follows from quantum field theory and investigate solutions that some authors think imply in photon localization. We discuss if such an idea is meaningful. Moreover, we show that for such solutions it is possible (once we accept that photon wave functions are extended in the space and also in the time domains) to derive a generalized HJE containing a quantum potential and which may lead to non lightlike photon trajectories in free space. We briefly discuss our findings in relation to a recent experiment.

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Bosonization of Fermionic Fields and Fermionization of Bosonic Fields

In this paper using the Clifford and spin-Clifford bundles formalism we show how Weyl and Dirac equations formulated in the spin-Clifford bundle may be written in an equivalent form as generalized Maxwell like form formulated in the Clifford bundle. Moreover, we show how Maxwell equation formulated in the Clifford bundle formalism can be written as an equivalent equation for a spinor field in the spin-Cillford bundle. Investigating the details of such equivalences this exercise shows explicitly that a fermionic field is equivalent (in a precise sense) to an equivalence class of well defined boson fields and that a bosonic field is equivalent to a well defined equivalence class of fermionic fields These equivalences may be called the bosonization of fermionic fields and the fermionization of bosonic fields.

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Concept of Lie Derivative of Spinor Fields. A Geometric Motivated Approach

In this paper using the Clifford bundle (Cl(M,g)) and spin-Clifford bundle (Cl_{Spin_{1,3}^{e}}(M,g)) formalism, which permit to give a meaningfull representative of a Dirac-Hestenes spinor field (even section of Cl_{Spin_{1,3}^{e}}(M,g)) in the Clifford bundle , we give a geometrical motivated definition for the Lie derivative of spinor fields in a Lorentzian structure (M,g) where M is a manifold such that dimM =4, g is Lorentzian of signature (1,3). Our Lie derivative, called the spinor Lie derivative (and denoted £_{ξ}) is given by nice formulas when applied to Clifford and spinor fields, and moreoverl £_{ξ}g=0 for any vector field ξ. We compare our definitions and results with the many others appearing in literature on the subject.

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Gauge Fixing in the Maxwell Like Gravitational Theory in Minkowski Spacetime and in the Equivalent Lorentzian Spacetime

In a previous paper we investigate a Lagrangian field theory for the gravitational field (which is there represented by a section g^a of the orthonormal coframe bundle over Minkowski spacetime. Such theory, under appropriate conditions, has been proved to be equivalent to a Lorentzian spacetime structure, where the metric tensor satisfies Einstein field equations. Here, we first recall that according to quantum field theory ideas gravitation is described by a Lagrangian theory of a possible massive graviton field (generated by matter fields and coupling also to itself) living in Minkowski spacetime. The graviton field is moreover supposed to be represented by a symmetric tensor field h carrying the representations of spin two and zero of the Lorentz group. Such a field, then (as it is well known), must necessarily satisfy the gauge condition given by Eq.(3) below. Next, we introduce an ansatz relating h to the 1-form fields g^a. Then, using the Clifford bundle formalism we derive, from our Lagrangian theory, the exact wave equation for the graviton and investigate the role of the gauge condition given by Eq.(3) in obtaining a reliable conservation law for the energy-momentum tensor of the gravitational plus the matter fields in Minkowski spacetime. Finally we ask the question: does Eq.(3) fix any gauge condition for the field g of the effective Lorentzian spacetime structure that represents the field h in our theory? We show that no gauge condition is fixed a priory, as is the case in General Relativity. Moreover we investigate under which conditions we may fix Logunov gauge condition.

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Gravitation as a Plastic Distortion of the Lorentz Vacuum

In this paper we present a theory of the gravitational field where this field (a kind of square root of g) is represented by a (1,1)-extensor field h describing a plastic distortion of the Lorentz vacuum (a real substance that lives in a Minkowski spacetime) due to the presence of matter. The field h distorts the Minkowski metric extensor in an appropriate way (see below) generating what may be interpreted as an effective Lorentzian metric extensor g and also it permits the introduction of different kinds of parallelism rules on the world manifold, which may be interpreted as distortions of the parallelism structure of Minkowski spacetime and which may have non null curvature and/or torsion and/or nonmetricity tensors. We thus have different possible effective geometries which may be associated to the gravitational field and thus its description by a Lorentzian geometry is only a possibility, not an imposition from Nature. Moreover, we developed with enough details the theory of multiform functions and multiform functionals that permitted us to successfully write a Lagrangian for h and to obtain its equations of motion, that results equivalent to Einstein field equations of General Relativity (for all those solutions where the manifold M is diffeomorphic to R^4. However, in our theory, differently from the case of General Relativity, trustful energy-momentum and angular momentum conservation laws exist. We express also the results of our theory in terms of the gravitational potential 1-form fields (living in Minkowski spacetime) in order to have results which may be easily expressed with the theory of differential forms. The Hamiltonian formalism for our theory (formulated in terms of the potentials) is also discussed. The paper contains also several important Appendices that complete the material in the main text.

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Differential Structure of the Hyperbolic Clifford Algebra

This paper presents a thoughful review of: (a) the Clifford algebra Cl(H_{V}) of multivecfors which is naturally associated with a hyperbolic space H_{V}; (b) the study of the properties of the duality product of multivectors and multiforms; (c) the theory of k multivector and l multiform variables multivector extensors over V and (d) the use of the above mentioned structures to present a theory of the parallelism structure on an arbitrary smooth manifold introducing the concepts of covariant derivarives, deformed covariant derivatives and relative covariant derivatives of multivector, multiform fields and extensors fields.

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The Relation between Maxwell, Dirac and the Seiberg-Witten Equations

In this paper we discuss some unusual and unsuspected relations between Maxwell, Dirac and the Seiberg-Witten equations. First we investigatethe Maxwell-Dirac equivalence (MDE) of the first kind. Crucial to that proposed equivalence is the possibility of solving for $Ψ$(a representative on a given spinorial frame of a Dirac-Hestenes spinor field (DHSF)) the equation $F=Ψγ_{21} \simΨ$, where F is a given electromagnetic field. Such task is presented in this paper and it permits to clarify some possible objections to the MDE which claims that no MDE may exist, because F has six (real) degrees of freedom and $Ψ$ has eight (real) degrees of freedom. Also, we review the generalized Maxwell equation describing charges and monopoles. The enterprise is worth even if there is no evidence until now for magnetic monopoles, because there are at least two faithful field equations that have the form that equations. One is the generalized Hertz potential field equation associated with Maxwell theory and the other is a (non linear) equation satisfied by the 2-form field, which is part of a representative of a DHSF that solves the Dirac-Hestenes equation for a free electron. This is a new and surprising result, which can also be called MDE of the second kind. It strongly suggests that the electron is a composed system with more elementary "charges" of the electric and magnetic types. Finally, we use the MDE of the first kind together with a reasonable hypothesis to give a derivation of the famous Seiberg-Witten equations on Minkowski spacetime.

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Nature of the Gravitational Field and its Legitimate Energy-Momentum Tensor

In this paper we show how a gravitational field generated by a given energy-momentum distribution (for all realistic cases) can be represented by distinct geometrical structures (Lorentzian, teleparallel and non null nonmetricity spacetimes) or that we even can dispense all those geometrical structures and simply represent the gravitational field as a field, in the Faraday's sense, living in Minkowski spacetime. The explicit Lagrangian density for this theory is given and the field equations (which are a set of four Maxwell's like equations) are shown to be equivalent to Einstein's equations. We also analyze if the teleparallel formulation can give a mathematical meaning to "Einstein's most happy thought", i.e. the equivalence principle. Moreover we discuss the Hamiltonian formalism for for our theory and its relation to one of the possibles concepts for energy of the gravitational field which emerges from it and the concept of ADM energy. One of the main results of the paper is the identification in our theory of a legitimate energy-mometum tensor for the gravitational field expressible through a really nice formula.

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Gravitation and Electromagnetism as Geometrical Objects of a Riemann-Cartan Spacetime Structure

In this paper we first show that any coupled system consisting of a gravitational plus a free electromagnetic field can be described geometrically in the sense that both Maxwell equations and Einstein equation having as source term the energy-momentum of the electromagnetic field can be derived from a geometrical Lagrangian proportional to the scalar curvature R of a particular kind of Riemann-Cartan spacetime structure, where those fields are identified as geometrical objects of the structure. We show moreover that the contorsion tensor of the particular Riemann-Cartan spacetime structure of our theory encodes the same information as the one contained in Chern-Simons term that is proportional to the spin density of the electromagnetic field. Next we show that by adding to the geometrical Lagrangian a term describing the interaction of a electromagnetic current with a general electromagnetic plus the gravitational field and a term describing the matter carrier of the current we get Maxwell equations with source term and Einstein equation having as source term the sum of the energy-momentum tensors of the electromagnetic and matter terms. Finally modeling by dust charged matter the carrier of the electromagnetic current we get the Lorentz force equation. Moreover, we prove that our theory is gauge invariant. We also briefly discuss our reasons for the present enterprise.

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Riemann-Cartan Connection and its Decomposition. One More Assessment of "ECE Theory"

In this short pedagogical note we clarify some subtleties concerning the symmetries of the coefficients of a Riemann-Cartan connection and the symmetries of the coefficients of the contorsion tensor that has been a source of some confusion in the literature, in particular in a so called 'ECE theory'. We show in details that the coefficients of the contorsion tensor of a Riemann-Cartan connection has a symmetric part and an antisymmetric part, the symmetric part defining the strain tensor of the connection. Moreover, the contorsion tensor has also a bastard anti-symmetry when written with all its indices in the `covariant' positions.

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Rigorous Formulation of Duality in Gravitational Theories

In this paper we evince a rigorous formulation of duality in gravitational theories where an Einstein like equation is valid, by providing the conditions under which the Hodge duals (with respect to the metric tensor g) of T^a and R_b^a may be considered as the torsion and curvature 2-forms associated with a connection D', part of a Riemann-Cartan structure (M,g',D'), in the cases g = g' and g does not equal g', once T^a and R_b^a are the torsion and curvature 2-forms associated with a connection D part of a Riemann-Cartan structure (M,g,D). A new form for the Einstein equation involving the dual of the Riemann tensor of D is also provided, and the result is compared with others appearing in the literature.

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Pair and Impar, Even and Odd Form Fields and Electromagnetism

In this paper after reviewing the Schouten and de Rham definition of impair and pair differential form fields (not to be confused with differential form fields of even and odd grades) we prove that in a relativistic spacetime it is possible (despite claims in contrary) to coherently formulate electromagnetism (and we believe any other physical theory) using only pair form fields or, if one wishes, using pair and impair form fields together, in an appropriate way. Those two distinct descriptions involve only a mathematical choice and do not seem to lead to any observable physical consequence if due care is taken. Moreover, we show in details that a formulation of electromagnetic theory in the Clifford bundle formalism of differential forms where the two Maxwell equations of the so called free metric approach becomes a single equation is compatible with both formulations of electromagnetism just mentioned above. Moreover we derive directly from Maxwell equation the density of force (coupling of the electromagnetic field with the charge current) that is a postulate in the free metric approach to electromagnetism. We recall also a formulation of the engineering version of Maxwell equations using electric and magnetic fields as objects of the same nature, i.e., without using polar and axial vectors.

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A Maxwell Like Formulation of Gravitational Theory in Minkowski Spacetime

In this paper using the Clifford bundle formalism a Lagrangian theory of the Yang-Mills type (with a gauge fixing term and an auto interacting term) for the gravitational field in Minkowski spacetime is presented. It is shown how two simple hypothesis permit the interpretation of the formalism in terms of effective Lorentzian or teleparallel geometries. In the case of a Lorentzian geometry interpretation of the theory the field equations are shown to be equivalent to Einstein's equations.

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Differential Forms on Riemannian (Lorentzian) and Riemann-Cartan Structures and Some Applications to Physics

In this paper after recalling some essential tools concerning the theory of differential forms in the Cartan, Hodge and Clifford bundles over a Riemannian or Riemann-Cartan space or a Lorentzian or Riemann-Cartan spacetime we solve with details several exercises involving different grades of difficult. One of the problems is to show that a recent formula appearing in the literature for the exterior covariant derivative of the Hodge dual of the torsion 2-forms is simply wrong. We believe that the paper will be useful for students (and eventually for some experts) on applications of differential geometry on physical problems. A detailed account of the issues discussed in the paper appears in the table of contents.

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Killing Vector Fields, Maxwell Equations and Lorentzian Spacetimes

In this paper we first analyze the structure of Maxwell equations in a Lorentzian spacetime where the potential A is proportional to 1-form K physically equivalent to a Killing vector field (supposed to exist). We show that such A obeys the Lorenz gauge and also a wave equation that can be written in terms of the covariant D'Alembertian or the Ricci operator. Moreover, we determine the correct current defined by that potential showing that it is of superconducting type, being two times the product of the components of A by the Ricci 1-form fields. We also study the structure of the spacetime generated by the coupled system consisting of a electromagnetic field F = dA (A, as above), an ideal charged fluid with dynamics described by an action function S and the gravitational field. We show that Einstein equations in this situation is then equivalent to Maxwell equations with a current givn by fFAF (the product meaning the Clifford product of the corresponding form fields), where f is a scalar function which satisfies a well determined algebraic quadratic equation.

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Freud's Identity of Differential Geometry, the Einstein-Hilbert Equations and the Vexatious Problem of the Energy-Momentum Conservation in GR

We reveal in a rigorous mathematical way using the theory of differential forms, here viewed as sections of a Clifford bundle over a Lorentzian manifold, the true meaning of Freud's identity of differential geometry discovered in 1939 (as a generalization of results already obtained by Einstein in 1916) and rediscovered in disguised forms by several people. We show moreover that contrary to some claims in the literature there is not a single (mathematical) inconsistency between Freud's identity (which is a decomposition of the Einstein indexed 3-forms in two gauge dependent objects) and the field equations of General Relativity. However, as we show there is an obvious inconsistency in the way that Freud's identity is usually applied in the formulation of energy-momentum "conservation laws" in GR. In order for this paper to be useful for a large class of readers (even those ones making a first contact with the theory of differential forms) all calculations are done with all details (disclosing some of the "tricks of the trade" of the subject).

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Clifford Valued Differential Forms, and Some Issues in Gravitation, Electromagnetism and 'Unified' Theories

In this paper we show how to describe the general theory of a linear metric compatible connection with the theory of Clifford valued differential forms. This is done by realizing that for each spacetime point the Lie algebra of Clifford bivectors is isomorphic to the Lie algebra of Sl(2,C). In that way the pullback of the linear connection under a local trivialization of the bundle (i.e., a choice of gauge) is represented by a Clifford valued 1-form. That observation makes it possible to realize immediately that Einstein's gravitational theory can be formulated in a way which is similar to a Sl(2,C) gauge theory. Such a theory is compared with other interesting mathematical formulations of Einstein's theory. and particularly with a supposedly "unified" field theory of gravitation and electromagnetism proposed by M. Sachs. We show that his identification of Maxwell equations within his formalism is not a valid one. Also, taking profit of the mathematical methods introduced in the paper we investigate a very polemical issue in Einstein gravitational theory, namely the problem of the 'energy-momentum' conservation. We show that many statements appearing in the literature are confusing or even wrong.

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Conservation Laws on Riemann-Cartan, Lorentzian and Teleparallel Spacetimes

In this paper using a Clifford bundle formalism we examine (a): the strong conditions for existence of conservation laws involving only the energy-momentum and angular momentum of the matter fields on a general Riemann-Cartan spacetime and also in the particular cases of Lorentzian and teleparallel spacetimes and (b): the conditions for the existence of conservation laws of energy-momentum and angular momentum for the matter and gravitational fields when this latter concept can be rigorously defined. We examine in details some misleading and even erroneous and often quoted statements concerning the issues of the conservation laws in General Relativity and Riemann-Cartan (including the particular case of the teleparallel one) theories.

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