Dirac Definition and 859 Threads

  1. M

    What is the interpretation of the Dirac equation and its current operator?

    Hello, I have a question concerning the current in the Dirac equation and its corresponding operator. One can construct a current density that is \textbf{j}^{i} = \psi^{\dagger}\gamma^{i}\psi If I want to have the current, I will have to integrate: I = \oint \textbf{j} \cdot \textbf{n} \, dA...
  2. E

    Dirac Gamma Matrices: Is Invariance Under Lorentz Transformation?

    Hi! I can define \gamma^5=i\gamma^0\gamma^1\gamma^2\gamma^3 I know that the four gamma matrices \gamma^i\:\:,\;i=0...3 are invariant under a Lorentz transformation. So I can say that also \gamma ^5 is invariant, because it is a product of invariant matrices. But this equality holds: \gamma...
  3. A

    Does the dirac delta function have a Laplace transform?

    If yes, how can we find it?
  4. A

    What is the <lz> Expectation Value for Given Wave Function?

    Homework Statement Find <lz> using \Psi, where \Psi=(Y11+cY1-1)/(1+c^2)). Ylm are spherical harmonics, and <lz> is the angular momentum operator in the z direction. Homework Equations <lz> Ylm = hmYlm The Attempt at a Solution The brackets around <lz> are throwing me off...
  5. T

    Energy-momentum tensor for the Dirac spinor

    Hi there, I'm having a problem calculating the energy momentum tensor for the dirac spinor \psi (x) =\left(\begin{align}\psi_{L1}\\ \psi_{L2}\\\psi_{R1}\\ \psi_{R2}\end{align}\right)(free theory). So, with the dirac lagrangian \mathcal{L}=i\bar{\psi}\gamma^\mu\partial_\mu\psi-m\bar{\psi}\psiin...
  6. J

    Effective mass of Dirac electron increased by electrostatic potential?

    The Dirac electron in the Higgs vacuum field v and an electromagnetic field with vector potential A_\mu is described by the following equation: i \gamma^\mu \partial_\mu \psi = g v \psi + e \gamma_\mu A^\mu \psi where g is the coupling constant to the Higgs field and e is the coupling...
  7. E

    Dirac Notation in building Path Integrals

    Alright, so I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out from one step to the next... So we have defined |qt>=exp(iHt/\hbar)|q> and we divide some interval up into pieces of duration τ Then we consider <q_{j+1}t_{j+1}|q_{j}t_{j}> =<q_{j+1}|e-iHτ/\hbar|q_{j}>...
  8. J

    Mass of Dirac Electron increased by Electromagnetic field?

    The Dirac electron in the Higgs vacuum field v and an electromagnetic field with vector potential A_\mu is described by the following equation: i \gamma^\mu \partial_\mu \psi = g v \psi + e \gamma_\mu A^\mu \psi where g is the coupling constant to the Higgs field and e is the coupling...
  9. H

    The Discontinuity of Wave Functions in a Dirac Delta Potential

    consider a particle in one dimention. there is a dirac delta potential such as V=-a delat(x) the wave functions in two sides(left and right) are Aexp(kx) and Aexp(-kx) respectively. so the differential of the wave functions are not continious at x=0. what is the justification here?
  10. J

    Dirac equation for electron in EM and Higgs fields?

    Is this the correct form for a Dirac electron in a Higgs field with scalar potential \phi and an electromagnetic field with vector potential A_\mu i \gamma^\mu \partial_\mu \psi = g \phi \psi + e \gamma_\mu A^\mu \psi where g is the coupling constant to the Higgs field and e is the...
  11. L

    Use of Dirac delta to define an inverse

    I was wondering which are the properties of functions defined in such a way that ∫dx f(y-x) g(x-z) = δ(y-z) where δ is Dirac delta and therefore g is a kind of inverse function of f (I see this integral as the continuous limit of the product of a matrix by its inverse, in which case the...
  12. S

    How Do the Commutator Relations Lead to Equation 26 in Quantum Optics?

    Homework Statement http://quantum.leeds.ac.uk/~almut/section2.pdf Please note i am referring to the above notes I basically don't get how the maths works to get (eq(25))(eq(22))(eq(24)) = eq(26) am i missing something interms of the commutator relations ? Homework Equations The Attempt at a...
  13. maverick280857

    Dirac Principle Value Identity applied to Propagators

    Hi, How is \frac{1}{\displaystyle{\not}{P}-m+i\epsilon}-\frac{1}{\displaystyle{\not}{P}-m-i\epsilon} = \frac{2\pi}{i}(\displaystyle{\not}{P}+m)\delta(P^2-m^2) ? This is equation (4-91) of Itzykson and Zuber (page 189). I know that \frac{1}{x\mp i\epsilon} =...
  14. N

    Learning Dirac Notation: Writing Hamiltonian for 3 States

    I am new to quantum physics. My question is how to write the Hamiltonian in dirac notation for 3 different states say a , b , c having same energy. I started with Eigenvaluee problem H|Psi> = E|psi> H = ? for state a? SO it means that indvdually H= E (|a><a|) for state a and for all three...
  15. M

    How Many Bound States Does a Radially Symmetric Delta Potential with l=0 Admit?

    Dirac "bubble potential" Homework Statement Consider a radially symmetric delta potential V(r) = −Vo * δ(r − a) with l=0. How many bound states does this system admit? The Attempt at a Solution With l=0, the radial equation reduces to the one dimensional TISE. So, solving the 1D TISE with a...
  16. L

    Does Dirac manipulate his Delta function sensibly?

    In the Principles of Quantum Mechanics, Dirac derives an identity involving his delta function: xδ(x)=0. From this he concludes that if we have an equation A=B and we want to divide both sides by x, we can take care of the possibility of dividing by zero by writing A/x = B/x + Cδ(x), because...
  17. sunrah

    What is the Application of Dirac Delta in Charge Constellations?

    Homework Statement We have to give the total charge, dipol and quadrupol moments of a charge constellation, but I seem to be falling at the first hurdle. Q = \frac{1}{4\pi \epsilon_{0}} \int_{vol} \rho(\vec{r}) d^{3}\vec{r} whereby the charge density of the group of particles is...
  18. C

    Square of modified Dirac equation

    If I take a modified Dirac Eq. of the form (i\gamma^\mu \partial_\mu -M)\psi=0 where M=m+im_5 \gamma_5, and whish to square it to get a Klein-Gordon like equation would I multiply on the left with (i\gamma^\nu \partial_\nu +m+im_5\gamma_5) or (i\gamma^\nu \partial_\nu +m-im_5\gamma_5)? I was...
  19. K

    Calculate Expectation Value of Hamiltonian using Dirac Notation?

    Homework Statement I have the state: |\psi>=cos(\theta)|0>+sin(\theta)|1> where \theta is an arbitrary real number and |\psi> is normalized. And |0> and |1> refer to the ground state and first excited state of the harmonic oscillator. Calculate the expectation value of the Hamiltonian...
  20. B

    Hermitian conjugate of plane wave spinors for Dirac equation

    I need to show that u^{+}_{r}(p)u_{s}(p)=\frac{\omega_{p}}{m}\delta_{rs} where \omega_{p}=\sqrt{\vec{p}^2+m^{2}} [itex]u_{r}(p)=\frac{\gamma^{\mu}p_{\mu}+m}{\sqrt{2m(m+\omega_{p})}}u_{r}(m{,}\vec{0})[\itex] is the plane-wave spinor for the positive-energy solution of the Dirac equation...
  21. N

    Dirac Notation and Magnitude of Bra's Help

    Hi all, I was diving into my 3rd year quantum assignment and I saw the following which I have to use for the rest of the question to prove the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality: Homework Statement || a|x> + b|y> ||^2 I only really learned a bit about Dirac notation last year, so please...
  22. P

    Dirac Equation for H atom - what's the small r behaviour?

    The Schrodinger wavefunction for the hydrogen atom scales as r^l for small r, where l is the orbital angular momentum. Is this changed in any dramatic way for the Dirac equation wavefuction? Does the small component of the Dirac spinor have the same small-r asymptotic behaviour as the large...
  23. J

    Dirac delta function in reciprocal function

    From dirac, if A=B, then \frac{A}{x}=\frac{B}{x}+c\delta(x) (1) How this formula is derived? Since \frac{dlnx}{dx} = \frac{1}{x}-i\pi\delta(x) We can get \frac{A}{x} = A\frac{dlnx}{dx}+Ai\pi\delta(x) \frac{B}{x} = B\frac{dlnx}{dx}+Bi\pi\delta(x) So if A=B, \frac{A}{x}=\frac{B}{x}...
  24. U

    Normalised Energy Eigenfunction (Probability with Dirac Notation)

    Homework Statement Normalised energy eigenfunction for ground state of a harmonic oscillator in one dimension is: 〈x|n〉=α^(1/2)/π^(1/4) exp(-□(1/2) α^2 x^2) n = 0 α^2=mω/h suppose now that the oscillator is prepared in the state: 〈x|ψ〉=σ^(1/2)/π^(1/4) exp(-(1/2) σ^2 x^2)...
  25. J

    What actually is the Dirac Point ?

    What actually is the "Dirac Point"? I'm trying to find out what actually is the "Dirac Point"?! I've Googled it and searched around on the internet, looked through books, but haven't actually been able to find a definitive definition and explanation, just general references to it within the...
  26. H

    How Do Different Dirac Matrix Choices Impact RQM Equations?

    Hello! I'm trying to write an essay on RQM. The problem I have encountered is the diffrent choices of matrices for the dirac equation. The two choices that I´m mixing up in my equations are: \begin{eqnarray} \gamma^0 = \left( \begin{array}{cc} I & 0 \\ 0 & -I \end{array} \right), \quad...
  27. J

    Delta dirac function times zero

    Let δ(x)=∞ at x = 0, and zero elsewhere. Then δ(x)(1-exp(x)) = ? It seems the above expression is zero. But isn't it zero times infinity at x = 0?
  28. B

    Can capacitors act as short circuits when first turned on?

    Let u(t) = \begin{Bmatrix} 1, & t \geq 0 \\ 0, & t<0 \end{Bmatrix} and let's have a simple circuit. Solo capacitor, connected to a DC voltage U0, a switch S exists. For purposes of this problem, I can mark the voltage across the capacitor as Vc(t) Vc(t)=u(t)*U0 Current...
  29. A

    Dirac Notation - Position and Momentum

    Homework Statement Show that \left\langlex|p|x'\right\rangle = \hbar/i \partial/\partialx \delta(x-x') 2. The attempt at a solution \left\langlex|p|x'\right\rangle = i\hbar \delta(x-x')/(x-x') = i\hbar \partial/\partialx' \delta(x-x') = \hbar/i \partial/\partialx \delta(x-x') For...
  30. W

    The Alternate form of the Dirac Delta Function

    Hello, I am trying to show that: \delta(x) = \lim_{\epsilon \to 0} \frac{\sin(\frac{x}{\epsilon})}{\pi x} Is a viable representation of the dirac delta function. More specifically, it has to satisfy: \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \delta(x) f(x) dx = f(0) I know that the integral of...
  31. R

    Wavefunction collapse and dirac delta functions

    What is the experimental evidence that a wavefunction will collapse to a dirac delta function, and not something more 'smeared' out?
  32. M

    Dirac Delta from Continous Eigenfunctions

    In the equation for determining the coefficients of eigenfunctions of a continuous spectrum operator, I have trouble understanding the origin of the Dirac delta. a_f = INTEGRAL a_g ( INTEGRAL F_f F_g ) dq dg a is the coefficient, F = F(q) is an eigenfunction. From this it is shown that...
  33. A

    Verifying the integral of a dirac delta function

    Homework Statement I'll post it as an image since the notation will be tricky to type out. It's problem 4. http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/1228/307hw3.jpg Homework Equations Not sure this really applies hereThe Attempt at a Solution This is for a physics course but as you can see it's...
  34. J

    Dirac papers disappeared from archive.org?

    So I could swear that a few months ago, there were dozens of papers by Dirac available on archive.org -- page after page of them...but now, there's nothing -- even just a search for "dirac" turns up less than one page. Was there some kind of purge, or something like that? Or am I just crazy...
  35. N

    Why Does the Integration of exp[abs(x)+3]*delta(x-2) from -1 to 1 Equal Zero?

    Homework Statement Integrate exp[abs(x)+3]*delta(x-2) dx, -1, 1 2. The attempt at a solution f(x)=exp[abs(x)+3]*delta(x-2) f(2)=148.4 Integrate exp[abs(x)+3]*delta(x-2) dx, -1, 1 = 0 [b]3. Why is the answer 0?
  36. B

    Dirac Gamma matrices in the (-+++) metric

    Hi, The typical representation of the Dirac gamma matrices are designed for the +--- metric. For example /gamma^0 = [1 & 0 \\ 0 & -1] , /gamma^i = [0 & /sigma^i \\ - /sigma^i & 0] this corresponds to the metric +--- Does anyone know a representation of the gamma matrices for -+++...
  37. F

    Is Dirac delta function dimensionless?

    Probably a trivial question, but does Dirac delta function has (to have always) a physical dimension or is it used just as a auxiliary construct to express e.g. sudden force impulse, i.e. Force = Impulse \times \delta, where 'Impulse' carries the dimension? Any comments would be highly...
  38. F

    Dirac Delta: Finite Height in Fourier Analysis

    Hi, if the definition of a dirac delta (impulse) function is just a sinc function with an infinite height and 0 width, why is it that they are shown and used in Fourier analysis as having a finite height? for example g(t) = cos(2*PI*f0*t) has two impulses of height = 1/2 at f=+/-f0
  39. I

    Dirac Delta Integral Homework: Proving Equations

    Homework Statement For some reason these are just messing me up. I need to prove: 1. \delta(y)=\delta(-y) 2.\delta^{'}(y) = -\delta^{'}(-y) 3.\delta(ay) = (1/a)\delta(y) In 2, those are supposed to be first derivatives of the delta functions Homework Equations Use an integral...
  40. A

    Using Dirac Bracket: Books & References for Examples

    I have searched in web and go through some papers. But the use of Dirac Bracket in constraint still unclear to me. It would be better if I have some examples. Can anyone please help me by suggesting books/references where I can find details about using Dirac Bracket?
  41. N

    Why there is 2[itex]\pi[/itex] in every dirac delta function

    in QF, every dirac delta function is accompanied by 2\pi,i.e.(2\pi)\delta(p-p_0) or (2\pi)^3\delta(\vec{p}-\vec{p_0}) the intergral element in QF is \int\frac{d^3p}{(2\pi)^3}\frac{1}{2E_P}, it comes from the integral element \int\frac{d^4p}{(2\pi)^4}(2\pi)\delta(p^2-m^2),I want to know why...
  42. M

    Quantum mechanics and Minimal coupling of Dirac field

    Hi I have a simple question: We know from non-relativistic quantum mechanics that the spin of an electron couples only to the magnetic field, i.e. it processes around the magnetic field. How is this resolved in the relativistic context where it would seem that the spin should couple to...
  43. D

    Too few examples to explain The principles of quantum mechanics by dirac.

    Too few examples to explain "The principles of quantum mechanics" by dirac. Hi! I studied my first course of quantum physics without a technical formalism (I'm studying physics engineering). I find some hindrances in paragraph 20. It says (I'm translating from Italian): After a few...
  44. M

    The Dirac equation with anomalous magnetic moment term

    Hi could someone please explain the story (if there is one) about the Dirac equation with an anomalous magnetic moment term, I have seen this in several old papers but it never seems to be mentioned in textbooks. Was this an old confusion in formulating QFT. In this context I believe the Dirac...
  45. Jim Kata

    Understanding Dirac Spinor Question in QED

    In Qed they replace the current vector J^{\alpha} by ie\overline{\Psi}\gamma^{\alpha}\Psi. I don't understand how this is done. I understand that J^{A\dot{A}}=J^{\alpha}{\sigma^{A\dot{A}}_\alpha} but if J^{A\dot{A}} is a rank two matrix then...
  46. A

    Is f(x)δ(x) Equal to f(2)δ(x)?

    Homework Statement Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Can I write, say, f(x) \delta(x)=f(2)\delta(x)? Since \delta(x) =0 for x\neq0
  47. D

    Prove that derivative of the theta function is the dirac delta function

    let θ(x-x') be the function such that θ = 1 when x-x' > 0 and θ = 0 when x-x' < 0. Show that d/dx θ(x-x') = δ(x - x'). it is easy to show that d/dx θ(x-x') is 0 everywhere except at x = x'. To show that d/dx θ(x-x') is the dirac delta function i also need to show that the integral over the...
  48. M

    How Do Dirac Gamma Matrices Satisfy Their Anticommutation Relations?

    Homework Statement Given that \gamma^{\mu}\gamma^{\nu}+\gamma^{\nu}\gamma^{\mu}=2g^{\mu\nu}*1 where 1 is the identity matrix and the \gamma are the gamma matrices from the Dirac equation, prove that: \gamma_{\mu}\gamma_{\nu}+\gamma_{\nu}\gamma_{\mu}=2g_{\mu\nu}*1 Homework Equations...
  49. J

    Dirac Delta Integration for Exponential Functions

    Homework Statement find \int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} x(t) \delta (\beta t - t_{0}) dt for x(t) = e^{a t} u(t) there is no information conserning a, β, or t_{0}... The Attempt at a Solution assuming that t_{0} is a constant\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} x(t) \delta (\beta t - t_{0}) dt =...
  50. J

    Why Does the Free-Field Dirac Hamiltonian Calculation Seem Incorrect?

    Homework Statement This is a simple problem I thought of and I'm get a nonsensical answer. I'm not sure where I'm going wrong in the calculation. Find the value of <-,p',v';+,q',r'|H|-,p,v;+,q,r> where H is the free-field Dirac Hamiltonian H =...
Back
Top