Propagation and quantization of Rarita-Schwinger waves in an external electromagnetic potential

Giorgio Velo, Daniel Zwanziger

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The Rarita-Schwinger equation in an external electromagnetic potential is shown to be equivalent to a hyperbolic system of partial differential equations supplemented by initial conditions. The wave fronts of the classical solutions are calculated and are found to propagate faster than light. Nevertheless, for sufficiently weak external potentials, a consistent quantum mechanics and quantum field theory may be established. These, however, violate the postulates of special relativity.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)1337-1341
    Number of pages5
    JournalPhysical Review
    Volume186
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 1969

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Physics and Astronomy

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