How to describe the spin state of a massless particle?

In summary, for a massive particle, its spin state can be denoted by a spin vector ##\vec{S}## and a corresponding covariant four vector ##S^\mu##. In the particle rest frame, ##P \cdot S = 0## holds and it is a Lorentz scalar. However, for a massless particle with no rest frame, its spin state can only be described by LH and RH chirality, with no involvement of a spin vector. This is seen in the case of left handed and right handed neutrinos, where chirality is equivalent to helicity.
  • #1
ccnu
13
0
For a massive particle, say, an electron, we can use a spin vector ##\vec{S}## to denote its spin state, and the corresponding covariant four vector ##S^\mu##. And we have ##P \cdot S = 0## in the particle rest frame, so it holds in any frame for it is an Lorentz scalor.
But, what if the particle is massless, so that it has no rest frame, how do we describe its spin state? I think ##\vec{S}## has no definition in this case.

Regards!
 
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  • #2
One resolves the spin state into LH and RH chirality for massless particles. This is exactly the business with the left handed vs right handed neutrinos (assuming they were massless) and weak parity violation.

[EDIT]
Pardon me, chirality is defined for massive and massless cases, it is only that in the massless case chirality = helicity.
[END EDIT]
 
Last edited:
  • #3
jambaugh said:
One resolves the spin state into LH and RH chirality for massless particles. This is exactly the business with the left handed vs right handed neutrinos (assuming they were massless) and weak parity violation.

Is that to say, we can only use chirality to describe the spin state? No spin vector be involved?
 

1. What does it mean for a particle to be "massless"?

A massless particle is one that has no rest mass, meaning it does not have any physical substance or matter. Instead, its energy and momentum are solely determined by its motion and frequency.

2. How is the spin state of a massless particle described?

The spin state of a massless particle is described by its spin angular momentum, which is a fundamental property of a particle related to its rotation. This spin state is quantized, meaning it can only exist in certain discrete values.

3. What is the difference between a spin-1/2 particle and a massless particle?

A spin-1/2 particle, such as an electron, has a non-zero rest mass and can have two possible spin states: spin up and spin down. In contrast, a massless particle has no rest mass and its spin state can have an infinite number of possible values, including both integer and half-integer values.

4. How is the spin state of a massless particle measured?

The spin state of a massless particle is measured by observing its interactions with other particles or fields. This can be done through scattering experiments or by analyzing the polarization of light emitted or absorbed by the particle.

5. Can a massless particle have both spin and orbital angular momentum?

Yes, a massless particle can have both spin and orbital angular momentum. However, unlike particles with mass, the spin and orbital angular momentum of a massless particle are not independent quantities and cannot be separately measured. Instead, they are related through the helicity of the particle, which represents the projection of its spin onto its direction of motion.

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