The 1932 Majorana equation: a forgotten but surprisingly modern particle theory

Fuente: arXiv
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Auteur principal: Nanni, Luca
Format: Preprint
Publié: 2024
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author Nanni, Luca
author_facet Nanni, Luca
contents The Standard Model is an up-to-date theory that best summarizes current knowledge in particle physics. Although some problems still remain open, it represents the leading model which all physicists refer to. One of the pillars which underpin the Standard Model is represented by the Lorentz invariance of the equations that form its backbone. These equations made it possible to predict the existence of particles and phenomena that experimental physics had not yet been able to detect. The first hint of formulating a fundamental theory of particles can be found in the 1932 Majorana equation, formulated when electrons and protons were the only known particles. Today we know that parts of the hypotheses set by Majorana were not correct, but his equation hid concepts that are found in the Standard Model. In this study, the Majorana equation is revisited and solved for free particles. The time-like, light-like and space-like solutions, represented by infinite-component wave functions, are discussed. Furthermore, by introducing subsidiary conditions on the mass term, it is possible to quantize both the fermionic and the bosonic towers, obtaining the mass spectrum of the entire family of charged leptons, baryons and mesons.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2404_01357
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle The 1932 Majorana equation: a forgotten but surprisingly modern particle theory
Nanni, Luca
General Physics
The Standard Model is an up-to-date theory that best summarizes current knowledge in particle physics. Although some problems still remain open, it represents the leading model which all physicists refer to. One of the pillars which underpin the Standard Model is represented by the Lorentz invariance of the equations that form its backbone. These equations made it possible to predict the existence of particles and phenomena that experimental physics had not yet been able to detect. The first hint of formulating a fundamental theory of particles can be found in the 1932 Majorana equation, formulated when electrons and protons were the only known particles. Today we know that parts of the hypotheses set by Majorana were not correct, but his equation hid concepts that are found in the Standard Model. In this study, the Majorana equation is revisited and solved for free particles. The time-like, light-like and space-like solutions, represented by infinite-component wave functions, are discussed. Furthermore, by introducing subsidiary conditions on the mass term, it is possible to quantize both the fermionic and the bosonic towers, obtaining the mass spectrum of the entire family of charged leptons, baryons and mesons.
title The 1932 Majorana equation: a forgotten but surprisingly modern particle theory
topic General Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.01357