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Physical Review

Cluster Decomposition and the Spin-Statistics Theorem in S -Matrix Theory

M. Froissart, John R. Taylor

Published Jan 25, 1967• 7 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This paper establishes within $S$-matrix theory the connection between spin and statistics; namely, that the multiparticle-state vectors are symmetric or antisymmetric for permutation of identical particles according as the particle concerned has integral or half-integral spin. The proof given, which is simpler than previous $S$-matrix proofs, depends on the cluster-decomposition property, crossing symmetry, and Hermitian analyticity. A considerable part of the paper is concerned with establishing a suitable framework to formulate the first of these properties, cluster decomposition. To this end we develop from first principles the idea of the tensor product $f\ensuremath{\bigotimes}g$ which, for any two state vectors $f$ and $g$, represents the composite state ($f$ and $g$).

DOI
10.1103/physrev.153.1636

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This paper establishes within SSS-matrix theory the connection between spin and statistics; namely, that the multiparticle-state vectors are symmetric or antisymmetric for permutation of identical particles according as the particle concerned has integral or half-integral spin. The proof given, which is simpler than previous SSS-matrix proofs, depends on the cluster-decomposition property, crossing symmetry, and Hermitian analyticity. A considerable part of the paper is concerned with establishing a suitable framework to formulate the first of these properties, cluster decomposition. To this end we develop from first principles the idea of the tensor product f\ensuremath⨂gf\ensuremath{\bigotimes}gf\ensuremath⨂g which, for any two state vectors fff and ggg, represents the composite state (fff and ggg).
A nonrelativistic proof of the spin-statistics theorem is given in terms of the field operators satisfying commutation and anticommutation relations, which are introduced here in the coordinate space as a means to build the permutation symmetry into the brackets of identical particles. An eigenvalue problem of a πππ-rotation for a product of two annihilation operators is combined with an analysis on its rotational property to prove the connection that the field operators for integral-spin and half-integral-spin particles obey the commutation and anticommutation relations, respectively.
The proof given by Pauli (Pauli, Relativistic Theory of Elementary Particles'' IIL, 1947, Supplement) for a theorem concerning the connection between the spin and the statistics is based on a consideration of irreducible representations of the tensor and spinor quantities in transformations of a Lorentz group with a determinant equal to unity. A proof is given of the above theorem tn which it is shown that it is enough to restrict oneself to a consideration of the transformation of the quantities with general inversion (inverston of all four co-ordinate axes).
We examine historic formulations of the spin-statistics theorem from a point of view that distinguishes between the observable consequences and the ``symmetrization postulate''. In particular, we make a critical analysis of concepts of particle identity, state distinguishability and permutation, and particle ``labels''. We discuss how to construct unique state vectors and the nature of the full state descriptions required for this -- in particular the elimination of arbitrary 2π2π2π rotations on fermion spin quantization frames and argue that the failure to do this renders the conventional symmetrization postulate (and previous ``proofs'' of it) at best {\em incomplete}. We discuss particle permutation in a general way for any pairs of particles, whether identical or not, and make an essential distinction between exchange and pure permutation. We prove a revised symmetrization postulate that allows us to construct state vectors that are naturally symmetric under pure permutation, {\em for any spin}. The significance of particle labels (which, in the exchange operation, are not permuted along with other variables) is then that they stand in for any asymmetry (order dependence) that is present in the full state descriptions necessary for unique state vectors but not explicit in the regular state variables. {\em The exchange operation is then the physical transformation that reverses any asymmetry implicit in the labels}. We point out a previously unremarked geometrical asymmetry between all pairs of particles that is present whenever we choose a common frame of reference. We compute the exchange phase for various state vectors using different spin quantization frames, and prove the Pauli Exclusion Principle and its generalization to arbitrary spin.
Reasonable requirements of (a) physical invariance under particle permutation and (b) physical completeness of state descriptions [1], enable us to deduce a Symmetric Permutation Rule(SPR): that by taking care with our state descriptions, it is always possible to construct state vectors (or wave functions) that are purely symmetric under pure permutation for all particles, regardless of type distinguishability or spin. The conventional exchange antisymmetry for two identical half-integer spin particles is shown to be due to a subtle interdependence in the individual state descriptions arising from an inherent geometrical asymmetry. For three or more such particles, however, antisymmetrization of the state vector for all pairs simultaneously is shown to be impossible and the SPR makes observably different predictions, although the usual pairwise exclusion rules are maintained. The usual caveat of fermion antisymmetrization—that composite integer spin particles (with fermionic constituents) behave only approximately like bosons—is no longer necessary.
Abstract. Reasonable requirements of (a) physical invariance under particle permutation and (b) physical completeness of state descriptions [1], enable us to deduce a Symmetric Permutation Rule(SPR): that by taking care with our state descriptions, it is always possible to construct state vectors (or wave functions) that are purely symmetric under pure permutation for all particles, regardless of type distinguishability or spin. The conventional exchange antisymmetry for two identical half-integer spin particles is shown to be due to a subtle interdependence in the individual state descriptions arising from an inherent geometrical asymmetry. For three or more such particles, however, antisymmetrization of the state vector for all pairs simultaneously is shown to be impossible and the SPR makes observably different predictions, although the usual pairwise exclusion rules are maintained. The usual caveat of fermion antisymmetrization – that composite integer spin particles (with fermionic consitituents) behave only approximately like bosons – is no longer necessary. I TERMINOLOGY
After some brief historical remarks we recall the first demonstration of the Spin-Statistics theorem by Pauli, and some further developments, like Streater-Wightman's, in the axiomatic considerations. Sudarshan's short proof then follows by considering only the time part of the kinetic term in the lagrangian: the identity SU(2)=Sp(1,C) is crucial for the argument. Possible generalization to arbitrary dimensions are explored, and seen to depend crucially on the type of spinors, obeying Bott's periodicity 8. In particular, it turns out that for space dimentions (7, 8, or 9) modulo 8, the conventional result does not automatically hold: there can be no Fermions in these dimensions.