Probability Density in Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

Abstract

In the realm of relativistic quantum mechanics, we address a fundamental question: Which one, between the Dirac or the Foldy-Wouthuysen density, accurately provide a probability density for finding a massive particle with spin 1/2 at a certain position and time. Recently, concerns about the Dirac density’s validity have arisen due to the Zitterbewegung phenomenon, characterized by a peculiar fast-oscillating solution of the coordinate operator that disrupts the classical relation among velocity, momentum, and energy. To explore this, we applied Newton and Wigner’s method to define proper position operators and their eigenstates in both representations, identifying ’localized states’ orthogonal to their spatially displaced counterparts. Our analysis shows that both densities could represent the probability of locating a particle within a few Compton wavelengths. However, a critical analysis of Lorentz transformation properties reveals that only the Dirac density meets all essential physical criteria for a relativistic probability density. These criteria include covariance of the position eigenstate, adherence to a continuity equation, and Lorentz invariance of the probability of finding a particle. Our results provide a clear and consistent interpretation of the probability density for a massive spin-1/2 particle in relativistic quantum mechanics.