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Journal of Physics Conference Series

Trajectory-based conservation laws for massive spin-zero relativistic quantum particles in 1 + 1 spacetime

Bill Poirier, Hung-Ming Tsai

Published Aug 1, 2020• 3 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract We present novel aspects of a trajectory-based theory of massive spin-zero relativistic quantum particles. In this approach, the quantum trajectory ensemble is the fundamental entity. It satisfies its own action principle, leading to a dynamical partial differential equation (via the Euler-Lagrange procedure), as well as to conservation laws (via Noether’s theorem). In this paper, we focus on the derivation of the latter. In addition to the usual expected energy and momentum conservation laws, there is also a third law that emerges, associated with the conditions needed to maintain global simultaneity. We also show that the nonrelativistic limits of these conservation laws match those of the earlier, nonrelativistic quantum trajectory theory [J. Chem. Phys. 136, 031102 (2012)].

DOI
10.1088/1742-6596/1612/1/012022

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Abstract We present novel aspects of a trajectory-based theory of massive spin-zero relativistic quantum particles. In this approach, the quantum trajectory ensemble is the fundamental entity. It satisfies its own action principle, leading to a dynamical partial differential equation (via the Euler-Lagrange procedure), as well as to conservation laws (via Noether’s theorem). In this paper, we focus on the derivation of the latter. In addition to the usual expected energy and momentum conservation laws, there is also a third law that emerges, associated with the conditions needed to maintain global simultaneity. We also show that the nonrelativistic limits of these conservation laws match those of the earlier, nonrelativistic quantum trajectory theory [J. Chem. Phys. 136, 031102 (2012)].
Recently, a self-contained trajectory-based formulation of non-relativistic quantum mechanics was developed [Ann. Phys. 315, 505 (2005); Chem. Phys. 370, 4 (2010); J. Chem. Phys. 136, 031102 (2012)], that makes no use of wavefunctions or complex amplitudes of any kind. Quantum states are represented as ensembles of real-valued quantum trajectories that extremize a suitable action. Here, the trajectory-based approach is developed into a viable, generally covariant, relativistic quantum theory for single (spin-zero, massive) particles. Central to this development is the introduction of a new notion of global simultaneity for accelerated particles--together with basic postulates concerning probability conservation and causality. The latter postulate is found to be violated by the Klein-Gordon equation, leading to its well-known problems as a single-particle theory. Various examples are considered, including the time evolution of a relativistic Gaussian wavepacket.
We present a novel covariant relativistic guidance formula à la de Broglie-Bohm derived from conserved quantities associated with the Lagrangian of the Dirac equation in a 1+1-dimensional spacetime. In line with the standard guidance formula of Bohmian mechanics, this generalized guidance formula incorporates space-time derivatives of the Dirac spinor phases and consistently reproduces relativistic features such as mass-dependent trajectories and zitterbewegung. We formally show that this formulation explicitly reveals how the relativistic quantum potential affects the trajectories. Using numerical simulations, we compare these trajectories with those presented in the usual approaches. Finally, we show how the guidance formula naturally transitions to the standard de Broglie-Bohm theory in the non-relativistic limit and gives additional contributions in the expansions giving new insight into the zitterbewegung in pilot-wave theories.
In the context of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, Gaussian wavepacket solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation provide useful physical insight. This is not the case for relativistic quantum mechanics, however, for which both the Klein-Gordon and Dirac wave equations result in strange and counterintuitive wavepacket behaviors, even for free-particle Gaussians. These behaviors include zitterbewegung and other interference effects. As a potential remedy, this paper explores a new trajectory-based formulation of quantum mechanics, in which the wavefunction plays no role [ Phys. Rev. X , 4 , 040002 (2014)]. Quantum states are represented as ensembles of trajectories, whose mutual interaction is the source of all quantum effects observed in nature—suggesting a "many interacting worlds" interpretation. It is shown that the relativistic generalization of the trajectory-based formulation results in well-behaved free-particle Gaussian wavepacket solutions. In particular, probability density is positive and well-localized everywhere, and its spatial integral is conserved over time—in any inertial frame. Finally, the ensemble-averaged wavepacket motion is along a straight line path through spacetime. In this manner, the pathologies of the wave-based relativistic quantum theory, as applied to wavepacket propagation, are avoided.
Transcending its origin in the debate on the interpretation of quantum theory, the continuous deterministic trajectory has proved a potent tool in computational quantum mechanics (an excellent introduction to numerical trajectory techniques is provided by Wyatt’s text [1]). It is straightforward to develop a method to derive the timedependent Schrödinger equation from a single-valued continuum of spacetime trajectories, and supply a corresponding exact formula for the wavefunction [2].Anatural language for this theory of evolution is offered by the hydrodynamic analogy, in which wave mechanics corresponds to the Eulerian picture (as shown by Madelung [3]) and the trajectory theory to the Lagrangian picture. The Lagrangian model for the quantum fluid may be developed from a variational principle involving a specific interaction potential (the quantum internal potential energy), and the Euler-Lagrange equations imply a nonlinear partial differential equation to calculate the trajectories of the fluid particles as functions of their initial coordinates and the initial wavefunction. The latter supplies two sets of data to the particle model: the initial density (via the amplitude) and the initial velocity (via the phase). The time-dependent wavefunction is then computed via the standard map between the Lagrangian coordinates and the Eulerian fields.
Since the discovery a century ago, spin describing the intrinsic angular momentum of massive elementary particles has exposed its nature and significant roles in wide ranges of (relativistic) quantum phenomena and practical applications for future quantum technology. Emerging inconsistencies have also disclosed its telltale incomplete description. Finding relativistic spins (operators) of massive particles is a long-standing fundamental problem from the beginning of relativistic quantum mechanics. Here we present the rigorous derivation and the representation of spin operators from the spacetime symmetry. The covariant parity operation, defined by the spin operators, naturally leads to a fundamental equation equivalent to the covariant Dirac equation, which manifests existent relativistic spins. Proper understanding position operator in the Dirac theory on account of the spin operator through total angular momentum predicts no Zitterbewegung as well as conserving orbital and spin currents. The spin operators can be applicable for unraveling the inconsistencies and for exploring unveiled physics of massive particles.
The relativistic invariant Lagrange approach for the spinor field in Foldy – Wouthuysen representation is constructed. The analogy with classical mechanics for the system with arbitrary number degrees of freedom is used for this construction. The dynamical variables for the spinor field in this representation are found. The conservation laws in terms of quantum mechanical particle-antiparticle momentum-spin amplitudes are presented. In this way the direct physical sense of the conserved quantities is demonstrated. 12 important additional conserved quantities are obtained together with 10 well-known conservation laws for the spinor field, which are the consequences of the Poincare symmetry of the theory. The additional dynamical variables are the consequences of the fact that both orbital and spin parts of the total 4-angular momentum of the spinor field are conserved independently.