Notes on basis-independent computations with the Dirac algebra

TL;DR

This paper reviews basis-independent methods in Dirac algebra, demonstrating how physical results can be derived without fixing a specific matrix basis, emphasizing the algebra's simplicity and Pauli's theorem.

Contribution

It provides a self-contained, basis-independent approach to Dirac theory, highlighting the algebraic structure and mathematical background of Dirac matrices and spinors.

Findings

Demonstrates basis-independent derivations of Dirac spinor transformations

Clarifies the distinction between the matrices β and γ^0

Compares basis-independent methods with Weyl basis calculations

Abstract

In these notes we first review Pauli's proof of his `fundamental theorem' that states the equivalence of any two sets of Dirac matrices $\{ \gamma^\mu \}$. Due to this theorem not only all physical results in the context of the Dirac equation have to be independent of the basis chosen for the Dirac matrices, but it should also be possible to obtain the results without resorting to a specific basis in the course of the computation. Indeed, we demonstrate this in the case of the behaviour of Dirac spinors under Lorentz transformations, the quantization of the Dirac field, the expectation value of the spin operator and several other topics. In particular, we emphasize the totally different physics and mathematics background of the matrix $\beta$, used in the definition of the conjugate Dirac spinor, and $\gamma^0$. Finally, we compare the basis-independent manipulations with those performed in the Weyl basis of Dirac matrices. The present notes provide a self-contained introduction to the Dirac theory by solely exploiting the simplicity of the Dirac algebra and the power of Pauli's Theorem.