Feynman's proper time approach to QED

TL;DR

This paper reviews Feynman's original proper time approach to QED, comparing it with his classical electrodynamics formulation and highlighting the role of the de Sitter group in space-time visualization.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of Feynman's proper time formulation of QED and its relation to classical electrodynamics and space-time symmetries.

Findings

Feynman's approach offers a unique perspective on QED using proper time.

The de Sitter group plays a significant role in Feynman's space-time visualization.

Comparison with classical electrodynamics clarifies the conceptual foundations.

Abstract

The genesis of Feynman's original approach to QED is reviewed. The main ideas of his original presentation at the Pocono Conference are discussed and compared with the ones involved in his action-at-distance formulation of classical electrodynamics. The role of the de Sitter group in Feynman's visualization of space-time processes is pointed out.