In this paper, we construct a parallel image of the conventional Maxwell theory by replacing the observer-time by the proper-time of the source. This formulation is mathematically, but not physically, equivalent to the conventional form. The change induces a new symmetry group which is distinct from, but closely related to the Lorentz group, and fixes the clock of the source for all observers. The new wave equation contains an additional term (dissipative), which arises instantaneously with acceleration. This shows that the origin of radiation reaction is not the action of a ''charge'' on itself but arises from inertial resistance to changes in motion. This dissipative term is equivalent to an effective mass so that classical radiation has both a massless and a massive part. Hence, at the local level the theory is one of particles and fields but there is no self-energy divergence (nor any of the other problems). We also show that, for any closed system of particles, there is a global inertial frame and unique (invariant) global proper-time (for each observer) from which to observe the system. This global clock is intrinsically related to the proper clocks of the individual particles and provides a unique definition of simultaneity for all events associated with the system. We suggest that this clock is the historical clock of Horwitz, Piron, and Fanchi. At this level, the theory is of the action-at-a-distance type and the absorption hypothesis of Wheeler and Feynman follows from global conservation of energy.

In this paper, we use the theory of fractional powers of linear operators to construct a general (analytic) representation theory for the square-root energy operator of relativistic quantum theory, which is valid for all values of the spin. We focus on the spin 1/2 case, considering a few simple yet solvable and physically interesting cases, in order to understand how to interpret the operator. Our general representation is uniquely determined by the Green's function for the corresponding Schrödinger equation. We find that, in general, the operator has a representation as a nonlocal composite of (at least) three singularities. In the standard interpretation, the particle component has two negative parts and one (hard core) positive part, while the antiparticle component has two positive parts and one (hard core) negative part. This effect is confined within a Compton wavelength such that, at the point of singularity, they cancel each other providing a finite result. Furthermore, the operator looks like the identity outside a few Compton wavelengths (cutoff). To our knowledge, this is the first example of a physically relevant operator with these properties.When the magnetic field is constant, we obtain an additional singularity, which could be interpreted as particle absorption and emission. The physical picture that emerges is that, in addition to the confined singularities and the additional attractive (repulsive) term, the effective mass of the composite acquires an oscillatory behavior.We also derive an alternate relationship between the Dirac equation (with minimal coupling) and the square-root equation that is much closer than the one obtained via the FoldyWouthuysen method, in that there is no change in the wave function. This is accomplished by considering the scalar potential to be a part of the mass. This approach leads to a new KleinGordon equation and a new square-root equation, both of which have the same eigenvalues and eigenfunctions as the Dirac equation. Finally, we develop a perturbation theory that allows us to extend the range of our theory to include suitable spacetime-dependent potentials.2

Abstract. This paper is a review of the canonical proper-time approach to relativistic mechanics and classical electrodynamics. The purpose is to provide a physically complete classical background for a new approach to relativistic quantum theory. Here, we first show that there are two versions of Maxwell's equations. The new version fixes the clock of the field source for all inertial observers. However now, the (natural definition of the effective) speed of light is no longer an invariant for all observers, but depends on the motion of the source. This approach allows us to account for radiation reaction without the Lorentz-Dirac equation, self-energy (divergence), advanced potentials or any assumptions about the structure of the source. The theory provides a new invariance group which, in general, is a nonlinear and nonlocal representation of the Lorentz group. This approach also provides a natural (and unique) definition of simultaneity for all observers.The corresponding particle theory is independent of particle number, noninvariant under time reversal (arrow of time), compatible with quantum mechanics and has a corresponding positive definite canonical Hamiltonian associated with the clock of the source.We also provide a brief review of our work on the foundational aspects of the corresponding relativistic quantum theory. Here, we show that the standard square-root and the Dirac equations are actually two distinct spin-1 2 particle equations.

No abstract

In this paper we construct an analytical separation (diagonalization) of the full (minimal coupling) Dirac equation into particle and antiparticle components. The diagonalization is analytic in that it is achieved without transforming the wave functions, as is done by the Foldy-Wouthuysen method, and reveals the nonlocal time behavior of the particle-antiparticle relationship. We interpret the zitterbewegung and the result that a velocity measurement (of a Dirac particle) at any instant in time is ±c, as reflections of the fact that the Dirac equation makes a spatially extended particle appear as a point in the present by forcing it to oscillate between the past and future at speed c. From this we infer that, although the form of the Dirac equation serves to make space and time appear on an equal footing mathematically, it is clear that they are still not on an equal footing from a physical point of view. On the other hand, the Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation, which connects the Dirac and square root operator, is unitary. Reflection on these results suggests that a more refined notion (than that of unitary equivalence) may be required for physical systems.We then show explicitly that the Pauli equation is not completely valid for the study of the Dirac hydrogen atom problem in s-states (hyperfine splitting). We conclude that there are some open mathematical problems with any attempt to explicitly show that the Dirac equation is insufficient to explain the full hydrogen spectrum. Our analysis suggests that the use of cutoffs in QED is already justified by the eigenvalue analysis that supports it if the perturbation method can be justified.Using a new method, we are able to effect separation of variables for full coupling and solve the radial equation. The behavior of the radial equation at the origin is the same as in the Dirac-Coulomb case, so that the A 2 term, which appears in an exact analysis, does not increase the singular nature of the wave function.