The Dirac equation without zitterbewegung
Michael B. Heaney
TL;DR
This paper proposes a new symmetrical interpretation of the Dirac equation in 1+1 dimensions that predicts no zitterbewegung for free particles, potentially resolving longstanding conceptual issues in relativistic quantum mechanics.
Contribution
It introduces a relativistic symmetrical interpretation of the Dirac equation that eliminates zitterbewegung and clarifies the physical meaning of the phenomenon, differing from conventional views.
Findings
Predicts no zitterbewegung for free particles
Resolves inconsistencies in conventional interpretations
Makes distinct experimental predictions
Abstract
This paper presents a relativistic symmetrical interpretation of the Dirac equation in 1+1 dimensions which predicts no zitterbewegung for a free spin-1/2 particle. This could resolve the longstanding puzzle of zitterbewegung in relativistic quantum mechanics, and help clarify the physical meaning of the zitterbewegung currently under investigation in many-particle systems. Together with an earlier paper describing a relativistic symmetrical interpretation of the Klein-Gordon equation \cite{Heaney1}, this new interpretation resolves some inconsistencies in the conventional interpretations of both equations. This new interpretation also makes several experimental predictions that differ from the conventional interpretation of the Dirac equation.
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Taxonomy
TopicsQuantum Mechanics and Applications · Noncommutative and Quantum Gravity Theories · Quantum Mechanics and Non-Hermitian Physics