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THE DIRAC EQUATION AND ITS INTERPRETATIONS

Mário Bacelar Valente

Published Apr 10, 2020• 2 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

In this paper, it is presented a historical account of the formulation of the quantum relativistic wave equation of an electron – the Dirac equation, issues regarding its interpretation that arose from the very beginning, and the later formulation of this equation in relation to a quantized electron-positron field, which implies a new interpretation. The way in which solutions obtained under each interpretation of the equation relate to one another is also considered for the simple case of hydrogen-like problems.

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A novel interpretation is given of Dirac's "wave equation for the relativistic electron" as a quantum-mechanical one-particle equation. In this interpretation the electron and the positron are merely the two different "topological spin" states of a single more fundamental particle, not distinct particles in their own right. The new interpretation is backed up by the existence of such bi-particle structures in general relativity, in particular the ring singularity present in any spacelike section of the maximal analytically extended, topologically non-trivial, electromagnetic Kerr-Newman spacetime in the zero-gravity limit (here, "zero-gravity" means the limit $G\to 0$, where $G$ is Newton's constant of universal gravitation). This novel interpretation resolves the dilemma that Dirac's wave equation seems to be capable of describing both the electron and the positron in "external" fields in many relevant situations, while the bi-spinorial wave function has only a single position variable in its argument, not two - as it should if it were a two-particle equation! A Dirac equation is formulated for a ring-like bi-particle which interacts with a static point charges located elsewhere in the topologically non-trivial physical space associated with the moving ring bi-particle, the motion being governed by a de-Broglie-Bohm type law extracted from the Dirac equation. As an application, the pertinent general-relativistic zero-gravity Hydrogen problem is studied in the usual Born-Oppenheimer approximation. Its spectral results suggest that the zero-$G$ Kerr-Newman magnetic moment be identified with the so-called "anomalous magnetic moment of the physical electron," not with the Bohr magneton, so that the ring radius is only a tiny fraction of the electron's Compton wave length.

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arXiv:1411.2296•Journal of Physics A Mathematical and Theoretical•Feb 19, 2016•6 citations
In this paper, it is presented a historical account of the formulation of the quantum relativistic wave equation of an electron – the Dirac equation, issues regarding its interpretation that arose from the very beginning, and the later formulation of this equation in relation to a quantized electron-positron field, which implies a new interpretation. The way in which solutions obtained under each interpretation of the equation relate to one another is also considered for the simple case of hydrogen-like problems.
A novel interpretation is given of Dirac's "wave equation for the relativistic electron" as a quantum-mechanical one-particle equation. In this interpretation the electron and the positron are merely the two different "topological spin" states of a single more fundamental particle, not distinct particles in their own right. The new interpretation is backed up by the existence of such bi-particle structures in general relativity, in particular the ring singularity present in any spacelike section of the maximal analytically extended, topologically non-trivial, electromagnetic Kerr-Newman spacetime in the zero-gravity limit (here, "zero-gravity" means the limit G→0G\to 0G→0, where GGG is Newton's constant of universal gravitation). This novel interpretation resolves the dilemma that Dirac's wave equation seems to be capable of describing both the electron and the positron in "external" fields in many relevant situations, while the bi-spinorial wave function has only a single position variable in its argument, not two - as it should if it were a two-particle equation! A Dirac equation is formulated for a ring-like bi-particle which interacts with a static point charges located elsewhere in the topologically non-trivial physical space associated with the moving ring bi-particle, the motion being governed by a de-Broglie-Bohm type law extracted from the Dirac equation. As an application, the pertinent general-relativistic zero-gravity Hydrogen problem is studied in the usual Born-Oppenheimer approximation. Its spectral results suggest that the zero-GGG Kerr-Newman magnetic moment be identified with the so-called "anomalous magnetic moment of the physical electron," not with the Bohr magneton, so that the ring radius is only a tiny fraction of the electron's Compton wave length.
Abstract This paper offers educational insight into the Dirac equation, examining its historical context and contrasting it with the earlier Schrödinger and Klein–Gordon equations. The comparison highlights their Lorentz transformation symmetry and potential probabilistic interpretations. We explicitly solve the free particle dynamics in Dirac’s model, revealing the emergence of solutions with negative energy. In this discussion, we examine the Dirac Sea Hypothesis and explore the inherent helicity of the solutions. Additionally, we demonstrate how the Dirac equation accounts for spin and derive the Pauli equation in the non-relativistic limit. Through the Foldy–Wouthuysen transformation, we reveal how the equation incorporates spin–orbit interaction and other relativistic effects, ultimately leading to the hydrogen fine structure. A section on relativistic covariant notation is included to emphasize the invariance of the Dirac equation, along with more refined formulations of both the Klein–Gordon and Dirac equations. Designed for undergraduate students with an interest in the Dirac equation, this resource provides a historical perspective without being purely theoretical. Our approach underscores the significance of a pedagogical method that combines historical and comparative elements to profoundly understand the role of the Dirac equation in modern physics.
We underscore the need of relativistic quantum mechanics in dealing with particles. Various notations used in relativity are defined and explained. We derive the Klein–Gordon equation for free particle as well as for particle in electromagnetic field. We obtain a solution and interpret it. We derive the Dirac equation for free particle as well as for particle in electromagnetic field. Plane wave solution to the Dirac equation is obtained. We show how spin of electron, idea of antiparticle , phenomena of pair production and pair annihilation follow from the Dirac equation.
The author has previously derived an energy-momentum relationship applicable in a hydrogen atom. Since this relationship is taken as a departure point, there is a similarity with the Dirac’s relativistic wave equation, but an equation more profound than the Dirac equation is derived. When determining the coefficients and β of the Dirac equation, Dirac assumed that the equation satisfies the Klein-Gordon equation. The Klein-Gordon equation is an equation which quantizes Einstein's energy-momentum relationship. This paper derives an equation similar to the Klein-Gordon equation by quantizing the relationship between energy and momentum of the electron in a hydrogen atom. By looking to the Dirac equation, it is predicted that there is a relativistic wave equation which satisfies that equation, and its coefficients are determined. With the Dirac equation it is necessary to insert a term for potential energy into the equation when describing the state of the electron in a hydrogen atom. However, in this paper, a potential energy term is not introduced into the relativistic wave equation. Instead, potential energy is incorporated into the equation by changing the coefficient of the Dirac equation.
Chapter 19 introduces relativistic quantum mechanics, with the aim of providing the student with a basic knowledge of the subject and a link to more advanced courses in relativistic quantum theory. It begins by showing that when the Schrödinger equation is modified to make it consistent with special relativity, the result is the Klein–Gordon equation, which gives better qualitative agreement with experiment. Introducing the electron spin into the Schrödinger equation leads to the Pauli equation, which gives rise to important spin effects. By considering both special relativity and spin, one obtains the Dirac and the van der Waerden equations. The main properties and implications of Dirac’s equation are discussed, including the electron’s zitterbewegung. The solution of Dirac’s equation for the free particle is presented in detail, the hydrogen-like atom is shown to be exactly solvable, and the particle in an external electromagnetic field is included as a complementary material.
Abstract A novel interpretation is given of Dirac’s ‘wave equation for the relativistic electron’ as a quantum-mechanical one-particle equation. In this interpretation the electron and the positron are merely the two different ‘topological spin’ states of a single more fundamental particle, not distinct particles in their own right. The new interpretation is backed up by the existence of such ‘bi-particle’ structures in general relativity, in particular the ring singularity present in any spacelike section of the spacetime singularity of the maximal-analytically extended, topologically non-trivial, electromagnetic Kerr–Newman (KN)spacetime in the zero-gravity limit (here, ‘zero-gravity’ means the limit , where G is Newton’s constant of universal gravitation). This novel interpretation resolves the dilemma that Dirac’s wave equation seems to be capable of describing both the electron and the positron in ‘external’ fields in many relevant situations, while the bi-spinorial wave function has only a single position variable in its argument, not two—as it should if it were a quantum-mechanical two-particle wave equation. A Dirac equation is formulated for such a ring-like bi-particle which interacts with a static point charge located elsewhere in the topologically non-trivial physical space associated with the moving ring particle, the motion being governed by a de Broglie–Bohm type law extracted from the Dirac equation. As an application, the pertinent general-relativistic zero-gravity hydrogen problem is studied in the usual Born–Oppenheimer approximation. Its spectral results suggest that the zero- G KN magnetic moment be identified with the so-called ‘anomalous magnetic moment of the physical electron,’ not with the Bohr magneton, so that the ring radius is only a tiny fraction of the electron’s reduced Compton wavelength.