Thomson, Modern Particle Physics, Problem 6.7

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SUMMARY

In Mark Thomson's "Modern Particle Physics," Problem 6.7, the values for the RL and LR helicities are derived as 2(ms, 0, 0, 0) and -2(ms, 0, 0, 0) respectively, while the other helicities (RR, LL) yield consistent results. The confusion arises from the treatment of the mass term in the ultra-relativistic regime (E>>m), which can lead to incorrect results if not properly accounted for. The normalization constant √(E+m) is essential for obtaining the correct helicity values in electron currents.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of helicity in particle physics
  • Familiarity with ultra-relativistic kinematics
  • Knowledge of normalization constants in quantum field theory
  • Basic concepts of electron currents and their helicity combinations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of helicity states in quantum field theory
  • Learn about the implications of the ultra-relativistic limit in particle physics
  • Explore normalization techniques in quantum mechanics
  • Review the treatment of mass terms in particle interactions
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Students and researchers in particle physics, particularly those studying helicity states and their applications in quantum field theory, will benefit from this discussion.

blankvin
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In Mark Thomson's Modern Particle Physics, Problem 6.7, I am wondering how we obtain:

2(ms, 0, 0, 0) and -2(ms, 0, 0, 0)

for the RL and LR helicities (likewise for the muon) in the electron currents using helicity combinations. My solutions for the other helicities (RR, LL) work out, but I am not sure how these are obtained for the other helicities (RL, LR). I get (0, 0, 0, 0).

The problem can be viewed here:

https://books.google.ca/books?id=HamyAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA158&lpg=PA158&dq=thomson+modern+particle+physics+6.7&source=bl&ots=u1jyTvgEmV&sig=UAbiPqkke8SYZ_1NmsgPIInjR-c&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CDwQ6AEwBWoVChMIgYXBtNuxyAIVRB0-Ch17zwD1#v=onepage&q=thomson modern particle physics 6.7&f=false

Thanks,
blankvin.
 
Last edited:
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I was considering the ultra-relatistic regime (E>>m), so abandoned the mass term in my calculation. Using the normalization constant ##\sqrt{E+m}## fixed my problem.Cheers,
blankvin.
 
It looks like your link goes to a page that's not available. Could you type the question out or something instead?
 

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