On the quantum electrodynamics of moving bodies

TL;DR

This paper develops a new relativistic quantum mechanics framework based on de Sitter symmetry, eliminating the need for the Dirac sea and addressing ultraviolet divergences.

Contribution

It introduces an indefinite mass theory using de Sitter symmetry, providing a geometric interpretation of charge conjugation and a natural Stueckelberg interpretation for antiparticles.

Findings

Off-shell theory free from ultraviolet divergences

Charge conjugation has a geometric meaning

Superfluous Dirac sea in second quantization

Abstract

A new synthesis of the principles of relativity and quantum mechanics is developed by replacing the Poincar\'e group for the de Sitter one. The new relativistic quantum mechanics is an indefinite mass theory which is reduced to the standard theory on the mass shell. The charge conjugation acquires a geometrical meaning and the Stueckelberg interpretation for antiparticles naturally arises in the formalism. So the idea of the Dirac sea in the second quantized formalism proves to be superfluous. The off-shell theory is free from ultraviolet divergences, which only appear in the process of mass shell reduction.