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Nonrelativistic wave functions in relativistic physics

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Zeitschrift für Physik C Particles and Fields

Abstract

We explore the validity of using nonrelativistic wave functions for lightly-bound states in relativistic situations. This is shown to be acceptable for scattering problems, but not necessarily for those involving a decay. In the latter case the wave function would need to have special properties. These do not occur for a deuteron-like wave function but do occur for a positronium-like system, the crucial features being that positronium is bound by zero mass exchange.

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References

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Donnachie, A., Horgan, R.R. & Landshoff, P.V. Nonrelativistic wave functions in relativistic physics. Z. Phys. C - Particles and Fields 10, 71–76 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01545785

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01545785

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