Abstract
Starting with an analysis of the general structure of the matrix beta 0 entering in first-order relativistic wave equations, the authors show that the degree of the minimal equation of beta 0 is determined by the size and nature of the various spin blocks of the 'skeleton matrix' of the theory. Since it is the numbers of Lorentz irreducible representations contributing to particular spins which determine the sizes of the spin blocks (and the value jm of the maximum spin contained in psi has no direct bearing on these), the reason for the failure of the Umezawa-Visconti rule and its extrapolation by Chandrasekaran et al. (1972) becomes clear. The authors obtain some general results concerning the minimal degree in certain types of theories and on certain procedures whereby the minimal degree can be raised without altering jm, and finally analyse a few interesting examples.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
