Help About charge conjugation of Dirac spinor

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the charge conjugation of Dirac spinors as presented in P J Mulders's lecture notes. The formula {\cal C}~b(k,\lambda)~{\cal C}^{-1}~=~d(k,{\bar \lambda}) indicates that the charge conjugation operator {\cal C} transforms a particle spinor into an antiparticle spinor, with helicity denoted by {\bar \lambda}. The inconsistency regarding helicity transformation is highlighted, as charge conjugation does not alter helicity, spin, or momentum. Variations in conventions among different authors, such as Weinberg and Gross, further complicate the understanding of antiparticle spinors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Dirac spinors and their properties
  • Familiarity with charge conjugation operators in quantum field theory
  • Knowledge of helicity and its implications in particle physics
  • Awareness of different conventions in defining antiparticle spinors
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the charge conjugation process in detail using P J Mulders's lecture notes
  • Examine the differences in conventions for antiparticle spinors in Weinberg's and Gross's texts
  • Learn about the implications of helicity in particle-antiparticle transformations
  • Research the role of the CCD (Charge Conjugation-Diagonalization) in quantum field theory
USEFUL FOR

Particle physicists, quantum field theorists, and students studying the properties of Dirac spinors and charge conjugation in high-energy physics.

snooper007
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The following formula appears in P J Mulders's lecture notes
http://www.nat.vu.nl/~mulders/QFT-0E.pdf

[tex]{\cal C}~b(k,\lambda)~{\cal C}^{-1}~=~d(k,{\bar \lambda})[/tex] (8.18)

where [tex]{\cal C}[/tex] is charge conjugation operator.
[tex]\lambda[/tex] is helicity.
I don't know why there is [tex]{\bar {\lambda}}[/tex] on the right side,
as is well known that charge conjugation can not change helicity, spin, and momentum.

Thanks
 
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The phases used to define negative energy or anti-particle spinors are often author dependent -- for example, the C matrix is diagonal in Weinberg's book, and off diagonal in Gross's text. Gross uses a different convention for defining antiparticle spinors than do Bjorken and Drell As far as I can figure, you'll have to track through the charge-c process starting with Mulder's conventions for particle and antiparticle spinors. Note that often the CCD relates the complex conjugate antiparticle spinor to the particle spinor. Good luck.
Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 

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