Abstract
It is known that relativistic wavefunctions formally propagate beyond the light cone when the propagator is limited to the positive energy sector. By construction, this is the case for solutions of the Salpeter (or relativistic Schrödinger) equation or for Klein–Gordon and Dirac wavefunctions defined in the Foldy–Wouthuysen representation. In this work, we quantitatively investigate the degree of non-causality for free propagation for different types of wavepackets that all initially have a compact spatial support. In the studied examples, we find that non-causality appears as a small transient effect that can in most cases be neglected. We display several numerical results and discuss the fundamental and practical consequences of our findings concerning this peculiar dynamical feature.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
