On inequivalent classes of unique-mass–spin relativistic wave equations involving repeated irreducible representations with arbitrary multiplicities

Abstract

Considering all representations S(Λ) of the proper Lorentz group which are equivalent to the direct sum of three unspecified inequivalent irreducible representations, each occurring with arbitrary multiplicity, the question is investigated as to what representations of the above class can support first-order relativistic wave equations for unique-spin, unique-mass particles. An important requirement made from the outset is that the equation shall not be equivalent to any simpler one in the presence of arbitrary interactions. Strong restrictions which result on the irreducible representation content of S(Λ) are identified by a consideration of the Jordan canonical form of the matrix β0 entering such equations. With parity invariance as an additional requirement, it is shown that only 0 and 1 can be physical spins; classes of S(Λ) which can lead to new equations for these spins are determined. Finally, the restrictions which are needed to hold down the minimal degree of β0 to low values (≤6) are also determined.