Semiclassical Time Evolution and Trace Formula for Relativistic Spin-1/2 Particles
Jens Bolte, Stefan Keppeler
We investigate the Dirac equation in the semiclassical limit $\ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$. A semiclassical propagator and a trace formula are derived and are shown to be determined by the classical orbits of a relativistic point particle. In addition, two phase factors enter, one of which can be calculated from the Thomas precession of a classical spin transported along the particle orbits. For the second factor we provide an interpretation in terms of dynamical and geometric phases.
arXiv:quant-ph/9805041•Physical Review Letters•Sep 7, 1998•81 citations