The Newton–Wigner Problem in the Relativistic Quantum Mechanics of Free Particles

Abstract

We discuss the old Newton–Wigner problem, which is understood as the problem of a correct coordinate interpretation of the relativistic quantum mechanics of free particles. This problem is still relevant for quantum field theory because the S-matrix approach assumes that asymptotic fields describe relativistic free quantum-mechanical particles. From the modern standpoint, the original solution of this problem by Newton and Wigner already cannot be considered sufficient because it admits the smearing of wave packets with a superlight velocity. We discuss a possibility of overcoming this difficulty. This possibility is connected with relativistic deformations of the standard Heisenberg algebra. We describe situations in which a sort of “desingularization” of the effective free Hamiltonian occurs for some special deformations, which possibly allows preserving sublight velocity in the theory.