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Under $U(1)$ symmetry of the Dirac Lagrangian I get, up to a constant, a current $$j^\mu=\bar\psi\gamma^\mu\psi.$$ How can I express it using creation and annihilation operators? For example it's easy for $\mu=0$ but for $\mu=i$ I don't know how to proceed.

I can write $$\psi=\int d\phi_k\left(\sum_ia_i(k)u_i(k)e^{-ikx}+\sum_ib^\dagger_i(k)v_i(k)e^{ikx}\right)$$ so $$\bar\psi\gamma^0\psi=\psi^\dagger\psi=\int d\phi_k d\phi_{k'}\left(\sum_{i}a^\dagger_i(k)u^\dagger_i(k)e^{ikx}+\sum_ib_i(k)v^\dagger_i(k)e^{-ikx}\right)\left(\sum_ja_j(k)u_j(k)e^{-ikx}+\sum_jb^\dagger_j(k)v_j(k)e^{ikx}\right)$$

Now I have to multiply and use the identities for example $$u^\dagger_iu_j=2E_k\delta_{ij}$$ $$u_i(k)^\dagger v_j(-k)=0$$ How can I proceed with $\mu=i$? I have to evaluate $$\bar\psi\gamma^i\psi=\psi^\dagger\gamma^0\gamma^i\psi=\int d\phi_k d\phi_{k'}\left(\sum_{i}a^\dagger_i(k)u^\dagger_i(k)e^{ikx}+\sum_ib_i(k)v^\dagger_i(k)e^{-ikx}\right)\gamma^0\gamma^i\left(\sum_ja_j(k')u_j(k')e^{-ik'x}+\sum_jb^\dagger_j(k')v_j(k')e^{ik'x}\right)$$

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  • $\begingroup$ Can you show us what you have tried ? $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 9, 2022 at 10:25
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks, I added a sketch of my calculations $\endgroup$
    – Stefano98
    Commented Jun 9, 2022 at 11:04
  • $\begingroup$ What is $\phi_k$ ? And I have the impression that you forgot a prime on the $k$ (one should apply $k \rightarrow k'$ ) in the second bracket of the double integral. Finally you can further expand the integrand getting sum of $Ca^\dagger a + D a^\dagger b^\dagger + E b a + F b b^\dagger$. Once one sandwiches the whole expression between particle states usually only one term of these survives. Integrals of combined the exponential functions give typically delta functions. $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 9, 2022 at 11:26
  • $\begingroup$ Yes I forgot the prime just here when copying. The $d\phi_k=d^3k(2E_k(2\pi)^3)$. Ok so the expression can't be further simplified? $\endgroup$
    – Stefano98
    Commented Jun 9, 2022 at 11:32
  • $\begingroup$ related, for the geometrical properties of the current: physics.stackexchange.com/q/219950/226902 physics.stackexchange.com/q/219874/226902 $\endgroup$
    – Quillo
    Commented Jun 9, 2022 at 11:46

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