An unknown story: Majorana and the Pauli-Weisskopf scalar electrodynamics

TL;DR

This paper explores Majorana's early and largely unknown scalar quantum electrodynamics theory, detailing its calculations, historical context, and potential nuclear physics applications, predating the Pauli-Weisskopf model.

Contribution

It uncovers and analyzes Majorana's original scalar QED theory, highlighting its novelty and historical significance in the development of quantum field theory.

Findings

Majorana's scalar QED theory predates Pauli-Weisskopf.

Detailed theoretical calculations are provided.

Potential application to nuclear structure is discussed.

Abstract

An account is given of an interesting but unknown theory by Majorana regarding scalar quantum electrodynamics, elaborated several years before the known Pauli-Weisskopf theory. Theoretical calculations and their interpretation are given in detail, together with a general historical discussion of the main steps towards the building of a quantum field theory for electrodynamics. A possible peculiar application to nuclear constitution, as conceived around 1930, considered by Majorana is as well discussed.