Feynman's vector potential, a physical meaning clue

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding the physical meaning of Feynman's vector potential definition, specifically the expression involving the Dirac delta function and the 4-norm of the difference between two points. The integration over the world line of particle b indicates that the vector potential is influenced by the entire trajectory of the particle. The use of the Dirac delta function suggests that the vector potential is significant only when the point x lies on the boundary of the light cone of particle b. This highlights the connection between the vector potential and relativistic effects in particle physics. Clarification on these concepts is sought to deepen understanding of their implications.
Abrain
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Hi everybody!

I'd like to understand the physical meaning of the Feynman's vector potential definition:

$ A_{m}^{(b)}(x) = e_b \int \delta (xb_{\mu}xb^{\mu})db_m(b), \qquad m=0,1,2,3 $

(component m of the vector potential of the particle b at the point x)

Here

- the integration is done over the whole world line of the b particle, parametrized by the invariant parameter b

- \delta is the Dirac delta function

- $ xb_{\mu}xb^{\mu} $ is the 4-norm of x - b

- So the $\delta$ function is non-zero $\iff x$ is in the boundary of the light cone of b.

Can you give me any clues?

Thanks!
 
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