The question how to Lorentz transform an N-particle wave function naturally leads to the concept of a so-called multi-time wave function, i.e., a map from (space-time)N to a spin space. This concept was originally proposed by Dirac as the basis of relativistic quantum mechanics. In such a view, interaction potentials are mathematically inconsistent. This fact motivates the search for new mechanisms for relativistic interactions. In this paper, we explore the idea that relativistic interaction can be described by boundary conditions on the set of coincidence points of two particles in space-time. This extends ideas from zero-range physics to a relativistic setting. We illustrate the idea at the simplest model which still possesses essential physical properties like Lorentz invariance and a positive definite density: two-time equations for massless Dirac particles in 1 + 1 dimensions. In order to deal with a spatio-temporally non-trivial domain, a necessity in the multi-time picture, we develop a new method to prove existence and uniqueness of classical solutions: a generalized version of the method of characteristics. Both mathematical and physical considerations are combined to precisely formulate and answer the questions of probability conservation, Lorentz invariance, interaction, and antisymmetry.
The question how to Lorentz transform an N-particle wave function naturally leads to the concept of a so-called multi-time wave function, i.e., a map from (space-time)N to a spin space. This concept was originally proposed by Dirac as the basis of relativistic quantum mechanics. In such a view, interaction potentials are mathematically inconsistent. This fact motivates the search for new mechanisms for relativistic interactions. In this paper, we explore the idea that relativistic interaction can be described by boundary conditions on the set of coincidence points of two particles in space-time. This extends ideas from zero-range physics to a relativistic setting. We illustrate the idea at the simplest model which still possesses essential physical properties like Lorentz invariance and a positive definite density: two-time equations for massless Dirac particles in 1 + 1 dimensions. In order to deal with a spatio-temporally non-trivial domain, a necessity in the multi-time picture, we develop a new method to prove existence and uniqueness of classical solutions: a generalized version of the method of characteristics. Both mathematical and physical considerations are combined to precisely formulate and answer the questions of probability conservation, Lorentz invariance, interaction, and antisymmetry.
In this paper, we generalize a previous relativistic -dimensional model for two mass-less Dirac particles with contact interactions to the N -particle case. Our model is based on the notion of a multi-time wave function which, according to Dirac, is the central object in a relativistic multi-particle quantum theory in the Schrödinger picture. Consequently, we achieve a manifestly Lorentz invariant formulation on configuration space–time. Our model is constructed to be compatible with antisymmetry and probability conservation in a relativistic sense. On the mathematical side, we further develop the method of multi-time characteristics and show that uniqueness of solutions follows from probability conservation. We prove that the model is interacting and outline how one can understand the interaction as effectively given by a -potential at equal times. Finally, we answer the question of whether Lorentz invariant and probability-conserving dynamics can also be obtained when the particles are confined in a region with a non-zero minimal space-like distance, a question relevant for an extension to higher dimensions.
The present work deals with the idea of a multi-time wave function, i.e. a wave function with N space-time arguments for N particles. Firstly, a careful derivation of the necessity of multi-time wave functions in relativistic quantum mechanics is given and a general formalism is developed. Secondly, the physical meaning of multi-time wave functions is discussed in connection with realistic relativistic quantum theories, in particular the "Hypersurface Bohm-Dirac" model. Thirdly, a first interacting model for multi-time wave functions of two Dirac particles in 1+1 space-time dimensions is constructed. Interaction is achieved by means of boundary conditions on configuration space-time, a mechanism closely related to zero-range physics. This is remarkable, as a restrictive consistency condition rules out various types of interaction and consequently no rigorous interacting model was known before. Fourthly, the model is extended to more general types of interaction and to the N-particle case. Higher dimensions are also discussed. Finally, the "Two-Body Dirac equations" of constraint theory are placed within the context of the multi-time formalism. In particular, the question of probability conservation is critically discussed, leading to further implications both for fundamental and applied questions.
On the relativistic quantum mechanics of a photon between two electrons in 1+1 dimensions
Abstract A Lorentz-covariant system of wave equations is formulated for a quantum-mechanical three-body system in one space dimension, comprised of one photon and two identical massive spin one-half Dirac particles, which can be thought of as two electrons (or alternatively, two positrons). Manifest covariance is achieved using Dirac’s formalism of multi-time wave functions, i.e., wave functions Ψ(xph,xe1,xe2) Ψ ( x ph , x e 1 , x e 2 ) where xph,xe1,xe2 x ph , x e 1 , x e 2 are generic spacetime events of the photon and two electrons, respectively. Their interaction is implemented via a Lorentz-invariant no-crossing-of-paths boundary condition at the coincidence submanifolds {xph=xe1} { x ph = x e 1 } and {xph=xe2} { x ph = x e 2 } compatible with conservation of probability current. The corresponding initial-boundary value problem is shown to be well-posed, and it is shown that the unique solution can be represented by a convergent infinite sum of Feynman-like diagrams, each one corresponding to the photon bouncing between the two electrons a fixed number of times.
In non-relativistic quantum mechanics of N particles in three spatial dimensions, the wave function ψ ( q 1 , ..., q N , t ) is a function of 3 N position coordinates and one time coordinate. It is an obvious idea that in a relativistic setting, such functions should be replaced by ϕ (( t 1 , q 1 ), ..., ( t N , q N )), a function of N space-time points called a multi-time wave function because it involves N time variables. Its evolution is determined by N Schrödinger equations, one for each time variable; to ensure that simultaneous solutions to these N equations exist, the N Hamiltonians need to satisfy a consistency condition. This condition is automatically satisfied for non-interacting particles, but it is not obvious how to set up consistent multi-time equations with interaction. For example, interaction potentials (such as the Coulomb potential) make the equations inconsistent, except in very special cases. However, there have been recent successes in setting up consistent multi-time equations involving interaction, in two ways: either involving zero-range ( δ potential) interaction or involving particle creation and annihilation. The latter equations provide a multi-time formulation of a quantum field theory. The wave function in these equations is a multi-time Fock function, i.e., a family of functions consisting of, for every n = 0, 1, 2, ..., an n -particle wave function with n time variables. These wave functions are related to the Tomonaga–Schwinger approach and to quantum field operators, but, as we point out, they have several advantages.
Interior-boundary conditions (IBCs) have been suggested as a possibility to circumvent the problem of ultraviolet divergences in quantum field theories. In the IBC approach, particle creation and annihilation is described with the help of linear conditions that relate the wave functions of two sectors of Fock space: [Formula: see text] at an interior point [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at a boundary point [Formula: see text], typically a collision configuration. Here, we extend IBCs to the relativistic case. To do this, we make use of Dirac’s concept of multi-time wave functions, i.e. wave functions [Formula: see text] depending on [Formula: see text] space-time coordinates [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] particles. This provides the manifestly covariant particle-position representation that is required in the IBC approach. In order to obtain rigorous results, we construct a model for Dirac particles in 1+1 dimensions that can create or annihilate each other when they meet. Our main results are an existence and uniqueness theorem for that model, and the identification of a class of IBCs ensuring local probability conservation on all Cauchy surfaces. Furthermore, we explain how these IBCs relate to the usual formulation with creation and annihilation operators. The Lorentz invariance is discussed and it is found that, apart from a constant matrix (which is required to transform in a certain way), the model is manifestly Lorentz invariant. This makes it clear that the IBC approach can be made compatible with relativity.
The two-body Dirac (2BD) equations of constraint theory are of special interest not only in view of applications for phenomenological calculations of mesonic spectra but also because they avoid no-go theorems about relativistic interactions. Furthermore, they provide a quantum mechanical description in a manifestly Lorentz invariant way using the concept of a multi-time wave function. In this paper, we place them into the context of the multi-time formalism of Dirac, Tomonaga and Schwinger for the first time. A general physical and mathematical framework is outlined and the mechanism which permits relativistic interaction is identified. The main requirement derived from the general framework is the existence of conserved tensor currents with a positive component which can play the role of a probability density. We analyze this question for a general class of 2BD equations thoroughly and comprehensively. While the free Dirac current is not conserved, it is possible to find replacements. Improving on previous research, we achieve definite conclusions whether restrictions of the function space or of the interaction terms can guarantee the positive definiteness of the currents—and whether such restrictions are physically adequate. The consequences of the results are drawn, with respect to both applied and foundational perspectives.