Semiclassical Time Evolution and Trace Formula for Relativistic Spin-1/2 Particles

Jens Bolte and Stefan Keppeler
Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, 1987 – Published 7 September 1998
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Abstract

We investigate the Dirac equation in the semiclassical limit ħ0. A semiclassical propagator and a trace formula are derived and are shown to be determined by the classical orbits of a relativistic point particle. In addition, two phase factors enter, one of which can be calculated from the Thomas precession of a classical spin transported along the particle orbits. For the second factor we provide an interpretation in terms of dynamical and geometric phases.

  • Received 14 May 1998

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.81.1987

©1998 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Jens Bolte* and Stefan Keppeler

  • Abteilung Theoretische Physik, Universität Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, D-89069 Ulm, Germany

  • *Email address: bol@physik.uni-ulm.de
  • Email address: kep@physik.uni-ulm.de

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Issue

Vol. 81, Iss. 10 — 7 September 1998

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