Lagrangian density , for scalar field , vector field and Spinor field

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of the Dirac and Klein-Gordon (KG) equations from their respective Lagrangians. It is established that these Lagrangians are often guessed based on the requirement that they be Lorentz scalars and quadratic in the field to avoid non-linearities. The reference to Ryder's "Quantum Field Theory" is highlighted as a key resource for understanding this derivation process. The conversation emphasizes that the form of the free field Lagrangian is constrained by fundamental principles such as Lorentz invariance and gauge invariance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz invariance in physics
  • Familiarity with the Dirac equation and Klein-Gordon equation
  • Knowledge of quantum field theory concepts
  • Basic principles of Lagrangian mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Ryder's "Quantum Field Theory" for detailed derivations of Lagrangians
  • Explore the concept of Lorentz invariance in quantum field theories
  • Research the role of gauge invariance in formulating Lagrangians
  • Investigate the implications of non-linearities in field theories
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This discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, graduate students in quantum field theory, and researchers interested in the foundational aspects of Lagrangian mechanics and field equations.

zaman786
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how do we get starting Lagrangian density of scalar field or Dirac (Spinor_) field
hi, I have go through many books - they derive Dirac equation from Dirac Lagrangian, KG equation from scalar Lagrangian - but my question is how do we get Dirac or scalar Lagrangian at first place as our starting point - kindly help in this regard or refer some book - which clearly elaborate this-
thanks
 
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Usually KG and Dirac equation are first "derived" without the Lagrangian, then the Lagrangian which leads to this equation is just guessed, and finally one shows that this Lagrangian really leads to this equation. See e.g. Ryder, Quantum Field Theory.
 
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Demystifier said:
Usually KG and Dirac equation are first "derived" without the Lagrangian, then the Lagrangian which leads to this equation is just guessed, and finally one shows that this Lagrangian really leads to this equation. See e.g. Ryder, Quantum Field Theory.
That said, one can argue for the form of the free field Lagrangian starting from the assumption that it should be possible to write using only the field itself and its (first) derivatives and be a Lorentz scalar. Not leading to non-linearities requires the Lagrangian to be quadratic in the field and Lorentz invariance pretty much nails down the kinetic term up to a constant that can be normalized away.

Then for the interacting theory we write down pretty much all renormalizable terms allowed by Lorentz and gauge invariance.

In short, there are not many other forms the Lagrangian could take based on a few basic and relatively reasonable assumptions.
 
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