Massless complex field+assumption(s)=massive field. Doable?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of excitations in a massless complex field in 3+1 spacetime and the conditions under which they may exist. The theory suggests that mass arises from self interaction and that the Higgs mechanism can provide further insight into this concept.
  • #1

Spinnor

Gold Member
2,208
416
Suppose we have a massless complex field in 3+1 spacetime where E^2 = P^2. Suppose that the only excitations that are possible are those that in some rest frame consist of an excitation of a pair of states p1 and p2 such that

p1 = -p2 and ιp1ι = ιp2ι = mc^2 = (+or-)E, and
the pair of states p1 and p2 couple (sum) together somehow.

In such a "rest frame", (with the right choice of constants), we would have functions like (?) ,
ψ+ = cos(x+α)exp(-iEt)exp(iθ+) and
Ψ- = cos(x+β)exp(iEt)exp(iθ-)

where exp(iθ+) and exp(iθ-) are phase factors and α and β are real numbers.

Momentum sums to zero and "rest" energy is mc^2?

If we could consider such a state that was made up of such a pair would the pair considered as one state transform in another Lorentz frame as a massive complex field?

Thanks for any help!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The parts of your theory that you describe are not enough to produce a massive particle.

Generally mass arises from self interaction. For electrons, for example, you look at radiative corrections. Or to think of it another way, the electron's mass comes from the electric field it carries with it.

There is quite a bit more if you are keen to learn this stuff. Look up the Higgs mechanism, just for example.
 

Suggested for: Massless complex field+assumption(s)=massive field. Doable?

Replies
10
Views
828
Replies
2
Views
748
Replies
2
Views
73
Replies
5
Views
581
Replies
8
Views
991
Replies
4
Views
576
Replies
1
Views
530
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
24
Views
959
Back
Top