Dirac's hole theory versus quantum field theory

Abstract

Dirac's hole theory and quantum field theory are usually considered equivalent to each other. The equivalence, however, does not necessarily hold, as we discuss in terms of models of a certain type. We further suggest that the equivalence may fail in more general models. This problem is closely related to the validity of the Pauli principle in intermediate states of perturbation theory. PACS Nos.: 03.65-w, 11.10-z, 11.15Bt, 12.39Ba