Abstract. In this paper, we use the theory of fractional powers of linear operators to construct a general (analytic) representation theory for the square-root energy operator of relativistic quantum theory, which is valid for all values of the spin. We focus on the spin 1/2 case, considering a few simple yet solvable and physically interesting cases, in order to understand how to interpret the operator. Our general representation is uniquely determined by the Green's function for the corresponding Schrödinger equation. We find that, in general, the operator has a representation as a nonlocal composite of (at least) three singularities. In the standard interpretation, the particle component has two negative parts and one (hard core) positive part, while the antiparticle component has two positive parts and one (hard core) negative part. This effect is confined within a Compton wavelength such that, at the point of singularity, they cancel each other providing a finite result. Furthermore, the operator looks like the identity outside a few Compton wavelengths (cut-off). To our knowledge, this is the first example of a physically relevant operator with these properties. When the magnetic field is constant, we obtain an additional singularity, which could be interpreted as particle absorption and emission. The physical picture that emerges is that, in addition to the confined singularities and the additional attractive (repulsive) term, the effective mass of the composite acquires an oscillatory behaviour. We also derive an alternative relationship between the Dirac equation (with minimal coupling) and the square-root equation that is somewhat closer than the one obtained via the Foldy–Wouthuysen method, in that there is no change in the wavefunction. This is accomplished by considering the scalar potential to be a part of the mass. This approach leads to a new Klein–Gordon equation and a new square-root equation, both of which can have the same eigenfunctions and (related) eigenvalues as the Dirac equation. Finally, we develop a perturbation theory that allows us to extend the range of our theory to include suitable spacetime-dependent potentials.

PACS number: 03.65.−w

A corrigendum for this article has been published in 2006 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 39 1537

Print publication: Issue 11 (18 March 2005)
Received 22 November 2004, in final form 26 November 2004
Published 2 March 2005