7 The Dirac equation and electron spin

Toyoki Koga

Matthias M. Dellweg, Carsten Müller

Electron spin dynamics in counterpropagating, bichromatic laser fields are studied by solving the Dirac equation with different laser polarization configurations. It is found that the spin-dependent Kapitza-Dirac effect in the dynamical processes may be used to design spin filters for free electrons.

David Hestenes

By a new method, the Dirac electron theory is completely reexpressed as a set of conservation laws and constitutive relations for local observables, describing the local distribution and flow of mechanical quantities. The coupling of the electromagnetic field to the electron is shown to be determined by the definitions of the observables rather than by the Dirac equation. Planck's constant appears in the equations only in connection with the electron spin. The equations are most readily interpreted by assuming that the electron is a structureless point charge, the spin and magnetic moment arising from the dynamics of electron motion.

Joe McEvoy, Oscar Zarate

Zhi Li

This article provides the theoretical foundation for the existence of electron spin through the discussion of Dirac equation.

Joe McEvoy, Oscar Sergio Zárate