We start from the spinning electron model by Barut and Zanghi, which has been recently translated into the Clifford algebra language. We ''complete'' such a translation, first of ah, by expressing in the Clifford formalism a particular Barut-Zanghi (BZ) solution, which refers (at the classical limit) to an ''internal'' helical motion with a time-like speed (and is here shown to originate from the superposition of positive and negative frequency solutions of the Dirac equation). Then, we show how to construct solutions of the Dirac equation describing helical motions with light-like speed, which meet very well the standard interpretation of the velocity operator in the Dirac equation theory (and agree with the solution proposed by Hestenes, on the basis - however - of ad-hoc assumptions that are unnecessary in the present approach). The above results appear to support the conjecture that the zitterbewegung motion (a helical motion, at the classical limit) is responsible for the electron spin.
(1993). About Zitterbewegung and Electron Structure [journal article - articolo]. In PHYSICS LETTERS. SECTION B. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10446/123984
About Zitterbewegung and Electron Structure
Recami, Erasmo;Salesi, Giovanni
1993-01-01
Abstract
We start from the spinning electron model by Barut and Zanghi, which has been recently translated into the Clifford algebra language. We ''complete'' such a translation, first of ah, by expressing in the Clifford formalism a particular Barut-Zanghi (BZ) solution, which refers (at the classical limit) to an ''internal'' helical motion with a time-like speed (and is here shown to originate from the superposition of positive and negative frequency solutions of the Dirac equation). Then, we show how to construct solutions of the Dirac equation describing helical motions with light-like speed, which meet very well the standard interpretation of the velocity operator in the Dirac equation theory (and agree with the solution proposed by Hestenes, on the basis - however - of ad-hoc assumptions that are unnecessary in the present approach). The above results appear to support the conjecture that the zitterbewegung motion (a helical motion, at the classical limit) is responsible for the electron spin.Pubblicazioni consigliate
Aisberg ©2008 Servizi bibliotecari, Università degli studi di Bergamo | Terms of use/Condizioni di utilizzo