Fundamental times, lengths and physical constants: some unknown contributions by Ettore Majorana

TL;DR

This paper reviews Majorana's early contributions to fundamental physical constants, including concepts of elementary length, time scales, and charge, highlighting their relevance to modern physics.

Contribution

It uncovers previously unknown ideas by Majorana on elementary scales and their implications, predating key developments in quantum electrodynamics.

Findings

Analysis of quasi-Coulombian scattering with finite length

Introduction of a universal time delay in electromagnetic potentials

Majorana's model for deriving elementary charge

Abstract

We review the introduction in physics of the concepts of an elementary space length and of a fundamental time scale, analyzing some related unknown contributions by Ettore Majorana. In particular, we discuss the quasi-Coulombian scattering in presence of a finite length scale, as well as the introduction of an intrinsic (universal) time delay in the expressions for the retarded electromagnetic potentials. Finally, we also review a special model considered by Majorana in order to deduce the value of the elementary charge, in such a way anticipating key ideas later introduced in quantum electrodynamics.