Relativistic Quantum Mechanics - Wave Equations concentrates mainly on the wave equations for spin-0 and spin-1/2 particles. Chapter 1 deals with the Klein-Gordon equation and its properties and applications. The chapters that follow introduce the Dirac equation, investigate its covariance properties and present various approaches to obtaining solutions. Numerous applications are discussed in detail, including the two-center Dirac equation, hole theory, CPT symmetry, Klein's paradox, and relativistic symmetry principles. Chapter 15 presents the relativistic wave equations for higher spin (Proca, Rarita-Schwinger, and Bargmann-Wigner). The extensive presentation of the mathematical tools and the 62 worked examples and problems make this a unique text for an advanced quantum mechanics course.

Inhalt

1. Relativistic Wave Equation for Spin-0 Particles: The Klein-Gordon Equation and Its Applications.- 2. A Wave Equation for Spin-1/2 Particles: The Dirac Equation.- 3. Lorentz Covariance of the Dirac Equation.- 4. Spinors Under Spatial Reflection.- 5. Bilinear Covariants of the Dirac Spinors.- 6. Another Way of Constructing Solutions of the Free Dirac Equation: Construction by Lorentz Transformations.- 7. Projection Operators for Energy and Spin.- 8. Wave Packets of Plane Dirac Waves.- 9. Dirac Particles in External Fields: Examples and Problems.- 10. The Two-Centre Dirac Equation.- 11. The Foldy-Wouthuysen Representation for Free Particles.- 12. The Hole Theory.- 13. Klein's Paradox.- 14. The Weyl Equation - The Neutrino.- 15. Wave Equations for Particles with Arbitrary Spins.- 16. Lorentz Invariance and Relativistic Symmetry Principles.