From Dirac Theories in Curved Space-Times to a Variation of Dirac's Large-Number Hypothesis

Abstract

Space-time quantization is not necessary in order to combine general relativity and quantum mechanics. Indeed, before we could ever conceive to observe effects due to space-time quantization, we should first consider the leading-order coupling of the Dirac particle to a curved spacetime. Space-time curvature is visible on the classical level, and can be treated on the classical level. Deviations from perfect Lorentz symmetry caused by effects other than space-time curvature may result in conceivable anisotropies of spacetime. Key to the calculation of the gravitational coupling of Dirac particles is the observation that the Dirac Clifford algebra needs to be augmented to include the local character of the space-time metric. Recent developments in this field include a series of papers where the gravitationally coupled Dirac particle is formulated first in a fully relativistic setting, and then, a generalized Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation is applied in order to isolate the nonrelativistic limit, plus correction terms.

Department(s)

Physics

Keywords and Phrases

Quantum Theory; Relativity; Clifford Algebra; Correction Terms; Curved Spacetime; Dirac Particles; Foldy-Wouthuysen Transformations; General Relativity; Nonrelativistic Limits; Space-time Metric; Radio Communication

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0003-3804

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2014 Wiley-Blackwell, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jul 2014

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