Remarks on Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

Hartland S. Snyder

Young‐Sea Huang

A novel perspective on relativistic transformation recently-proposed provides an insight into the very meaning of the principle of relativity. With this novel perspective and Bell's theorem, we argue that special relativity, instead of quantum theory, should be radically reformulated to resolve inconsistencies between the two theories. A new theory of relativistic quantum mechanics is formulated upon this novel perspective. This new relativistic quantum mechanics is free from such anomalies as the negative probability density, the negative-energy states, Zitterbewegung, and the Klein paradox deep-rooted in the current relativistic quantum mechanics. Moreover, a remarkable result is found that a particle can not be confined within an infinite square well of width less than half of the Compton wavelength. As implications in nuclear physics, there is a lower bound on the size of atomic nucleus. Neither an electron, nor a positron, can be confined inside the nucleus by whatever interaction. Furthermore, we argue that the postulates of non-relativistic quantum statistics fulfill the principle of relativity, as extended to the relativistic realm. A new theory of relativistic quantum statistics is formulated such that the probability distribution functions are the same as the three well-known probability distribution functions in non-relativistic quantum statistics. A relativistic speed distribution of a dilute gas is then derived by the new relativistic quantum statistics and the new relativistic quantum mechanics. This relativistic speed distribution reduces to Maxwell speed distribution in the low temperature region. Yet, this relativistic speed distribution differs remarkably from Jüttner speed distribution in the high temperature region. Also, thermal properties of a dilute gas are studied by the new relativistic quantum statistics.

W. Wessel

‎Louis Marchildon

Kastner (arXiv:1709.09367) and Kastner and Cramer (arXiv:1711.04501) argue that the Relativistic Transactional Interpretation (RTI) of quantum mechanics provides a clear definition of absorbers and a solution to the measurement problem. I briefly examine how RTI stands with respect to unitarity in quantum mechanics. I then argue that a specific proposal to locate the origin of nonunitarity is flawed, at least in its present form.

Luis Grave de Peralta, Luis A. Poveda, Bill Poirier

Abstract The fundamentals of a quasi-relativistic wave equation, whose solutions match the Schrödinger results for slow-moving particles but are also valid when the particle moves at relativistic speeds, are discussed. This quasi-relativistic wave equation is then used for examining some interesting quantum problems where the introduction of relativistic considerations may produce remarkable consequences. We argue in favor of the academic use of this equation, for introducing students to the implications of the special theory of relativity in introductory quantum mechanics courses.