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On one property of the Dirac equations for a free particle of spin ħ/2

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Abstract

We pose and investigate the general problem of the transformation of the Dirac equation for a free spin ħ/2 particle to a form in which the Schrodinger Zitterbewegung (SZ) is absent. Equations are obtained which define a unitary transformation which eliminates SZ in the Dirac theory. Analysis of these equations shows that only partial removal of SZ along one of the coordinate axes is possible. Complete elimination of SZ in the Dirac theory is impossible. In conclusion we examine the possible existence of a whole class of unitary transformations which partially remove SZ and their connection with the known canonical transformations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. A. I. Herzen Leningrad Pedinstitute, USSR

    E. S. Levin

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  1. E. S. Levin
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Additional information

Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 6, pp. 33–36, 1972.

In conclusion the author would like to thank S. V. Izmailov, I. L. Gerlovin, and E. M. Levin for useful discussions of the questions investigated in the paper.

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Levin, E.S. On one property of the Dirac equations for a free particle of spin ħ/2. Soviet Physics Journal 15, 805–808 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00912213

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00912213

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