Abstract
The usual axioms of quantum field theory are modified to allow a uniform treatment of stable and unstable particles without making explicit use of asymptotic conditions. A definition is proposed for the physical state of a single, neutral, scalar (or pseudoscalar) boson. The consistency of this definition requires the corresponding one-particle amplitude to satisfy an integral equation whose solutions depend on the mass spectrum and the preparation mechanism of the particle. The unstable particle decay law is obtained from the one-particle amplitude and at very long times appears likely to depend on the details of the preparation. For stable particles, the formulation given in this paper is shown to coincide in an asymptotic sense with the well-known Lehmann, Symanzik, and Zimmermann formulation. The generalizations to many-particle states and to particles with spin \textonehalf{} are indicated briefly.
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