I Relativistic Quantum Mechanics & Localized Particles

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The discussion centers on the flaws of relativistic quantum mechanics (QM) for single particles, particularly the issue of particles potentially being found outside the light cone, which raises questions about the localization of particles. It is argued that in relativistic scenarios, one should consider multi-particle states and that the concept of localized particles does not apply, as it is the measurements represented by field operators that are localized. Participants debate whether it is possible to predict particle trajectories, concluding that while local measurements can indicate particle presence, they do not provide definitive positions. The conversation also touches on the implications of Lorentz invariance on particle localization, suggesting that the particle concept in quantum field theory (QFT) is only approximate and not exact. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the complexities of understanding particle localization within the framework of relativistic quantum mechanics and QFT.
  • #61
WWCY said:
He said that this was down to the fact that we should be considering multi-particle states in relativistic situation, before introducing Fock-space states.

There have been already a lot of answers, I only want to quote the introduction of "quantum electrodynamics" by Beretetskii-Lifshitz-Pitaevskii
 

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  • #62
A. Neumaier said:
But if you take 4D Fourier transforms then the N-point Green's functions get N times, and can for N>2 no longer be interpreted in terms of inner products of multiparticle states (where there is one time only but multiple space coordinates).
Of course not. The QFT formalism automatically takes care of the Bose/Fermi (anti-)symmetrization.
 
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