Harmonic Oscillator in Dirac Theory

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the resolution of the harmonic oscillator within the context of Dirac Theory, particularly focusing on the implications of spin symmetry and the relationship between non-relativistic and relativistic frameworks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks references related to the harmonic oscillator in Dirac Theory, expressing difficulty in finding relevant literature. Some participants question the use of the term "resolution" and suggest that the original poster clarify their intent. Others discuss the implications of using a non-relativistic concept in a relativistic framework, raising points about the nature of Dirac's equation and its relation to many-particle systems.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between the harmonic oscillator and Dirac's equation, but there is no explicit consensus on the original poster's request or the direction of the inquiry.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential constraints related to the definitions of terms used, such as "harmonic oscillator" and "resolution," as well as the implications of working within non-relativistic versus relativistic frameworks. The original poster's background in spin symmetry is also noted as a potential factor in their inquiry.

eones
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Hello everyone,

i'm looking for anypaper or such kind of thing that explain the resolution of the harmonic oscillator in the Dirac Theory.

I have worked with the exact spin symmetry. I feel like a fish out the water and I'm sure that there are lot of bibliography about this area, but i promise i didn't find anything.

Thanks since now,
and may the force be with you!
 
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What do you mean by resolution? Also, you may have more luck getting replies in the Advanced Physics section (if this is related HW), or in the Quantum Physics section (if you simply want a reference).
 
The problem with the term in the title is that "harmonic oscillator" refers to the non-relativistic concept of a potential energy as a function of coordinates, which is manifestly Lorentz non-covariant, and Dirac's equation, which is a fully Lorentz covariant quantity.

Also, the proper meaning of Dirac's equation is that is non-quantum equation of motion for a Dirac spinor field operator in second quantization. This reinterprets the negative energy solutions as antiparticles. But, the problem essentially becomes a many-particle one.

If you are only interested in single-particle solutions, then you must project out the antiparticle component from the Dirac 4-spinor, to get the Pauli 2-spinor. The equation it obeys is Pauli equation, which already incorporates the interaction with an external electromagnetic field of a charged fermion.

Just take a scalar potential:
[tex] \varphi(x) = \frac{\mu^3 \, c^4}{2\, q \, \hbar^3} x^2[/tex]
where [itex]q[/itex] is thecharge of the particle, and [itex]\mu[/itex] has a dimension of mass. Of course, this non-relativistic equation is only valid when:
[tex] q \varphi(x) \ll m c^2 \Rightarrow \vert x \vert \ll \sqrt{\frac{2 m}{\mu}} \, \frac{\hbar}{\mu \, c}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Well, this isn't exactly what I am looking for, but its given me an idea anyway, so thank you very much for your time and effort.
 

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