Understanding Dirac Spinor Question in QED

In summary, in Qed, the current vector J^{\alpha} is replaced by ie\overline{\Psi}\gamma^{\alpha}\Psi, which involves combining two 2-component Weyl spinors (and their complex conjugates) into a single Dirac spinor (and its Dirac conjugate) using the off-block-diagonal combination of the Pauli matrices. This is explained in many textbooks on supersymmetry and other sources.
  • #1
Jim Kata
197
6
In Qed they replace the current vector [tex]J^{\alpha}[/tex] by [tex]ie\overline{\Psi}\gamma^{\alpha}\Psi[/tex]. I don't understand how this is done. I understand that
[tex]J^{A\dot{A}}=J^{\alpha}{\sigma^{A\dot{A}}_\alpha}[/tex] but if [tex]J^{A\dot{A}}[/tex] is a rank two matrix then [tex]J^{A\dot{A}}=\psi^{A}\psi^{*\dot{A}}+\phi^{A}\phi^{*\dot{A}}[/tex]. So shouldn't [tex]J^{\alpha}[/tex] be written as something like
[tex]ie(\bar{\Psi}\gamma^{\alpha}\Psi +\bar{\Phi}\gamma^{\alpha}\Phi)[/tex]?
 
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  • #2
The two 2-component Weyl spinors (and their complex conjugates) need to be combined into a single Dirac spinor (and its Dirac conjugate). And the Dirac matrices are constructed as an off-block-diagonal combination of the Pauli matrices - the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma_matrices#Weyl_basis".

This is explained in almost any textbook on supersymmetry (where the 2-component formalism is very common) or, e.g., in http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/6157/list-of-freely-available-physics-books/6167#6167"
 
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1. What is a Dirac spinor in QED?

A Dirac spinor is a mathematical representation of a particle in quantum electrodynamics (QED). It describes the spin and charge of a particle, and is a fundamental concept in understanding quantum mechanics.

2. How does the Dirac spinor relate to the Dirac equation?

The Dirac spinor is a solution to the Dirac equation, which describes the behavior of fermions (particles with half-integer spin) in relativistic quantum mechanics. The Dirac spinor contains four components, representing the particle's spin and momentum in different directions.

3. What are the properties of a Dirac spinor?

A Dirac spinor has four complex-valued components, which combine to form a 4x1 matrix. It is a Lorentz vector, meaning it transforms under Lorentz transformations. It also satisfies the Dirac equation and can be used to calculate probabilities of particle interactions in QED.

4. How is the Dirac spinor used in QED calculations?

The Dirac spinor is used in QED calculations to determine the probability amplitudes of particle interactions. It is also used to calculate scattering cross-sections and decay rates in particle physics experiments. The Dirac spinor is a fundamental concept in understanding the behavior of particles in the quantum world.

5. What are some real-world applications of understanding Dirac spinors in QED?

Understanding Dirac spinors in QED is crucial in many areas of modern physics, including particle physics, quantum computing, and condensed matter physics. It has also played a role in the development of technologies such as MRI machines and transistors. Understanding Dirac spinors has also led to advancements in our understanding of the fundamental laws of the universe.

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