Lorentz-covariant nonlocal collision term for spin- 1/2 particles

Abstract

We revisit the derivation of the nonlocal collision term in the Boltzmann equation for spin-1/2 particles, using both the Wigner-function approach by de Groot, van Leeuwen, and van Weert, and the Kadanoff-Baym equation in $T$-matrix approximation. Contrary to previous calculations, our results maintain full Lorentz covariance of the nonlocal collision term.