Quantum Mechanics of Moving Bound States

Abstract

The quantum mechanics of bound states with discrete energy levels is well understood. The quantum mechanics of scattering processes is also well understood. However, the quantum mechanics of moving bound states is still debatable. When it is at rest, the space-like separation between the constituent particles is the primary variable. When the bound state moves, this space-like separation picks up the time-like separation. The time-separation is not a measurable variable in the present form of quantum mechanics. The only way to deal with this un-observable variable is to treat it statistically. This leads to rise of the statistical variables such entropy and temperature. Paul A. M. Dirac made efforts to construct bound-state wave functions in Einstein’s Lorentz-covariant world. In 1927, he noted that the c-number time-energy relation should be incorporated in the relativistic world. In 1945, he constructed four-dimensional oscillator wave functions with one time coordinate in addition to the three-dimensional space. In 1949, Dirac introduced the light-cone coordinate system for Lorentz transformations. It is then possible to integrate these contributions made by Dirac to construct the Lorentz-covariant harmonic oscillator wave functions. This oscillator system can explain the proton as a bound state of the quarks when it is at rest, and explain the Feynman’s parton picture when it moves with a speed close to that of light. While the un-measurable time-like separation becomes equal to the space-like separation at this speed, the statistical variables become prominent. The entropy and the temperature of this covariant harmonic oscillator are calculated. It is shown that they rise rapidly as the proton speed approaches that of light.