Schrodinger's Equation validity for relativistic particles

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SUMMARY

Schrödinger's equation is not valid for relativistic particles primarily because it lacks Lorentz invariance, which is essential for compliance with the principles of special relativity. The general form of the Schrödinger equation, represented as i ∂/∂t Ψ = H Ψ, is applicable to all physical systems, but the specific Hamiltonian form dictates its domain of application. The discussion also highlights the relevance of the Dirac and Klein-Gordon equations in the context of relativistic quantum mechanics, with the latter being second-order in time and not directly related to the Schrödinger equation.

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  • Understanding of Lorentz invariance in physics
  • Familiarity with the general form of the Schrödinger equation
  • Knowledge of the Dirac and Klein-Gordon equations
  • Basic concepts of quantum field theory (QFT)
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  • #31
This is a question involving the semantic on the statement

"The SE is not Lorentz invariant"

I'm trying to prove that the SE isn't Lorentz Invariant.

I think I've showed it. I'd just like some input on my argument.

Under the change of coordinates:

x^\mu \mapsto x'^{\mu}=\Lambda^\mu_{\phantom{1}\nu} x^\nu

Covariantly;

\partial_\mu \mapsto \partial_{'\mu}=\Lambda_\mu^{\phantom{1}\nu} \partial_{'\nu}

And the wavefunction;

\psi(x)\mapsto \psi'(x')=S(\Lambda)\psi(x)

where S(\Lambda) is just some linear function.

The SE:

\{\iota \hbar\partial_t+\frac{\hbar^2}{2\mu} \partial_\nu \partial_\nu \}\psi(x)=0

where \nu=1,2,3.

Trasforming \psi(x) \mapsto \psi'(x') and multiplying by S^{-1}(\Lambda), and transforming the partial derivatives, we get

\{\iota \hbar\Lambda_0^{\phantom{1}\nu} \partial_{'\nu}+\frac{\hbar^2}{2\mu} \sum^{3}_{i=1}\Lambda_i^{\phantom{1}\alpha}\Lambda_i^{\phantom{1}\beta}\partial_{'\alpha} \partial_{'\beta} \} \psi'(x')=0

On comparing this to the "primed" SE. We find that the conditions \Lambda must satisfy are

\Lambda_0^{\phantom{1}\nu} \partial_{'\nu}=\partial_{'0}

and

\sum^{3}_{i=1}\Lambda_i^{\phantom{1}\alpha}\Lambda_i^{\phantom{1}\beta}\partial_{'\alpha} \partial_{'\beta} = \partial_{'\nu} \partial_{'\nu}.

Now, my question is, for me to prove that the SE isn't Lorentz invariant, do I need to show

a) that no such \Lambda \in \mbox{O(1,3)} can exist

or

b) is it sufficient to pick some \Lambda' \in \mbox{O(1,3)} and show that it doesn't satisfy the above condition ("counterexample").

If b) is indeed sufficient, could someone explain why, as it would seem that the SE is Lorentz invariant for certain matrices \in \mbox{O(1,3)}, and what does this mean to the statement:

"The SE equation is not Lorentz invariant"

Thank you
 
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  • #32
Looking back on this question, I suppose I could cut out all the texing and just simply ask:

If I show that \exists a \Lambda \in O(1,3) which the Schrödinger Equation does not transform covariantly under, is this enough to say that the SE isn't Lorentz Covariant.

Because trivially, if I take the identity, it's going to work. And presumably others work. So certain transformations will work, but not all.

So my question is: is it sufficient to show a counterexample in O(1,3) (which I have) to make the "SE not Lorentz Covariant" statement.

Thank you
 

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