Euclidean formulation of relativistic quantum mechanics

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss a formulation of relativistic quantum mechanics that uses model Euclidean Green functions or their generating functional as input. This formalism has a close relation to quantum field theory, but as a theory of linear operators on a Hilbert space, it has the advantages of quantum mechanics. One interesting feature of this approach is that matrix elements of operators in normalizable states on the physical Hilbert space can be calculated directly using the Euclidean Green functions without performing an analytic continuation. The formalism is summarized in this paper. We discuss the motivation, advantages, and difficulties in using this formalism. We discuss how to compute bound states, scattering cross sections, and finite Poincaré transformations without using analytic continuation. A toy model is used to demonstrate how matrix elements of e -βH in normalizable states can be used to construct sharp-momentum transition-matrix elements. © 2012 American Physical Society.