Wave Packet Dynamics in the Majorana Equation

TL;DR

This paper investigates wave packet behavior in the Majorana equation, revealing how infinite components influence wave spreading, Zitterbewegung exhibits a unique structure, and group velocity remains subluminal across spins.

Contribution

It demonstrates the impact of infinite components on wave packet spreading and characterizes Zitterbewegung in the Majorana framework, highlighting differences from Dirac particles.

Findings

Wave packets spread more due to infinite components.

Zitterbewegung occurs with a fine structure in Majorana wave packets.

Group velocity remains subluminal regardless of spin.

Abstract

In the Majorana equation for particles with arbitrary spin, wave packets occur due to not only the uncertainty that affects position and momentum but also due to infinite components with decreasing mass that form the Majorana spinor. In this paper, we prove that such components contribute to increase the spreading of wave packets. Moreover, Zitterbewegung takes place in both the time propagation of Dirac wave packets and in Majorana wave packets. However, it shows a peculiar fine structure. Finally, group velocity always remains subluminal and contributions due to infinite components decrease progressively as spin increases.