Dirac Equation: Central Potentials

A. N. Ikot, Sunday Edet Etuk, HASSAN HASSANABADI +2 more

Ade Kurniawan, Suparmi Suparmi, C. Cari

An approximate solution of the Dirac equation for a spin-1/2 particle under the influence of q -deformed hyperbolic Pöschl–Teller potential combined with trigonometric Scarf II non-central potential is studied analytically. It is assumed that the scalar potential equals the vector potential in order to obtain analytical solutions. Both radial and angular parts of the Dirac equation are solved using the Nikiforov–Uvarov method. A relativistic energy spectrum and the relation between quantum numbers can be obtained using this method. Several quantum wave functions corresponding to several states are also presented in terms of the Jacobi Polynomials.

Jan-Markus Schwindt

Arjun Sharma

The chapter covers some of the essential aspects of relativistic quantum mechanics. The Klein-Gordon equation and its solution in coulombic fields, how to interpret probability density and probability current derived from the Klein-Gordon equation, derivation of the Dirac equation and its covariant form, probability density and probability current for Dirac equation, positive and negative energy eigenvalues in the case of a free particle, constants of motion for relativistic treatment, presence of spin magnetic moment and spin-orbit interaction energy in the Dirac equation, and the solution of the Dirac equation for central potentials and for the hydrogen atom are presented with elegant mathematical treatment and physical interpretations. A modern and reader friendly approach is adopted for derivation of the Dirac equation, constants of motion, and for the solution of the Dirac equation for central potentials. Solved examples and unsolved exercises relating to fundamental concepts of relativistic quantum mechanics are added towards the end of chapter.

Helge Kragh