Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

Quantum Mechanics and Relativity are the two pillars of Modern Physics.

Combination of these two disciplines provides a framework within which

elementary particles and their interactions can be described.

A relativistic treatment of the classical Schrodinger equation leads to

the introduction of the Dirac equation. The latter provides a correct

description of relativistic spin-1/2 particles, like electrons or in fact

all elementary particles apart from the force mediators (vector bosons).

Following the Feynman interpretation of the negative energy solutions of

the Dirac equation, the existence of anti-particles is predicted.

By introducing a relativistic formulation of the electromagnetic vector

potential and a detailed investigation of observations in space-time,

a first experience is obtained concerning Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)

by means of using Feynman diagrams to describe electromagnetic interactions

of (relativistic) paticles on a quantum level.

Lecture Notes :

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