Newton-Wigner operator for K-G filed

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter paweld
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Operator
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Newton-Wigner operator for the Klein-Gordon field, specifically the probability of locating a particle within a defined spatial region at time t=0. The probability is expressed through the integral P(V) = ∫_V d^3 x ̅ψ^{NW}(x,0) ψ^{NW}(x,0), where ψ^{NW}(x,t) is defined using the Klein-Gordon operator in momentum representation. The conversation highlights the distinction between the probabilistic interpretation of the Newton-Wigner operator and the conventional Klein-Gordon operator, emphasizing that while the latter cannot assign a probabilistic interpretation, the former can. The implications of negative energy states and their relation to particle-antiparticle pairs are also discussed, clarifying that the probability of finding a negative energy particle is not negative but indicative of such pairs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Klein-Gordon equation
  • Familiarity with quantum field theory concepts
  • Knowledge of the Newton-Wigner operator
  • Basic grasp of particle-antiparticle relationships in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the Newton-Wigner operator in quantum field theory
  • Explore the implications of negative energy solutions in the Klein-Gordon equation
  • Research the role of particle-antiparticle pairs in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the probabilistic interpretations of quantum field operators
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum field theorists, and students studying advanced quantum mechanics who are interested in the probabilistic interpretations of quantum fields and the implications of negative energy states.

paweld
Messages
253
Reaction score
0
What is the probability of finding particle of Klein-Gordon field in some
region of space V (in an arbitrarily chosen inertial reference frame
at time t=0). According to me it is a following integral:
<br /> P(V) = \int_V d^3 x \overline{\psi^{NW}(x,0) } \psi^{NW}(x,0)~~~~<br />
where \psi^{NW}(x,t) is a Newton Wigner operator, i.e.:
\psi^{NW}(x,t) = \int \frac{d^3 p}{(2 E_p)^{3/2}}} <br /> \exp(i \vec{p} \vec{x} - E_p t) \hat{\psi}(\vec{p})
(\hat{\psi}(\vec{p}) is a Klein-Gordon operator in momentum representation)
On the other hand ususal Klein-Gordon field operator is connected to
its momentum counterpart by equation:
\psi(x,t) = \int \frac{d^3 p}{(2 E_p)}} <br /> \exp(i \vec{p} \vec{x} - E_p t) \hat{\psi}(\vec{p})

Notice that since the scalar product for \hat{\psi}(\vec{p}) is simply:
<br /> ( \hat{\psi_1}|\hat{\psi_2} ) = \int \frac{d^3 p}{(2 E_p)}} <br /> \overline{\hat{\psi_1}(p)}\hat{\psi_2}(p)<br /> ~~~~(1)<br />
then the scalar product for \psi^{NW}(x,t):
<br /> ( \psi^{NW}_1| \psi^{NW}_2) = \int d^3 x \overline{\psi_1(x,0)} \psi^{NW}_2 (x,0)<br /> ~~~~(2)<br />
in comparison to the expression for scalar product for \psi(x,t) which involves
some time derivatives:
<br /> ( \psi_1| \psi_2) = i \int d^3 x \overline{\psi_1(x,0)} (\partial_0 \psi_1)(x,0)<br /> - \overline{(\partial_0 \psi_1)(x,0)} \psi_2(x,0) ~~~~(3)<br />
This explains why we cannot assign probabilistic interpretation
to \psi(x,t) but we can do it for \psi^{NW}(x,t).

I wonder what happens if we consider negative energy states. Equation
(3) can be easiliy generalised for such solution of K-G eq. but it gives negative values.
What is the precise definition of NW operator for such states (accoridng to eq. (2)
norm of any solution is positive). Why some people say that probability of
finding a particles of negative energy (antiparticles) is negative? For me it doesn't
make any sense.

What are your opinion about it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The probability of finding a particle of negative energy (an antiparticle) is not negative, but it can be interpreted as an indication of the presence of a particle-antiparticle pair. This is because the Klein-Gordon equation is linear and so a solution for a particle of negative energy is related to a solution for a particle of positive energy by a sign change in the energy. Therefore, if we consider a wave packet that has both positive and negative energy components, the probability of finding a particle of negative energy will be equal to the probability of finding its particle-antiparticle pair. In other words, the probability of finding a particle of negative energy is not negative, but it can be interpreted as an indication of the presence of a particle-antiparticle pair.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 59 ·
2
Replies
59
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K