Published December 1979 | Version v1
Journal article Metadata-only

A note on irreducibility and existence of integer spin zero-rest-mass fields

Creators

  • 1. Sydney Univ. (Australia). Dept. of Applied Mathematics

Description

It is shown that only for spins 1 and 2 (electromagnetism and gravitation) does the generic integer spin, source-free, zero-rest-mass field generate an irreducible representation of the proper orthochronous Lorentz group, L +. The conclusion is then drawn that as these higher-spin fields can in no sense be considered as elementary. There is strong mathematical (and physical) grounds for their (apparent) nonexistence in nature. (author)

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Gen. Relativ. Gravitation
Journal Volume
11
Journal Issue
5
Series
Gen. Relativ. Gravitation.
Journal Page Range
329-332
ISSN
0001-7701

INIS

Country of Publication
United States
Country of Input or Organization
United Kingdom
INIS RN
11542199
Subject category
S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS;
Descriptors DEI
ELECTROMAGNETISM; GRAVITATION; LORENTZ GROUPS; REST MASS; SPACE-TIME; SPIN
Descriptors DEC
ANGULAR MOMENTUM; LIE GROUPS; MAGNETISM; MASS; PARTICLE PROPERTIES; POINCARE GROUPS; SYMMETRY GROUPS