Math and Physics Seminar: Math Matters: The Dirac Equation and Antimatter

Welcome back to our Math/Physics Seminar series. For our third seminar, we welcome Robert Abramovic, Ph.D., visiting assistant professor of Mathematics, New York Insititute of Technology, who will discuss the Dirac equation.

Host:

Robert Abramovic, Ph.D.

The Dirac equation will be discussed from a mathematical and physical perspective. In mathematics, the mathematics of the Dirac operator will be defined as a formal half iterate (square root) of the Laplacian. In physics, Dirac's equation will be derived as a necessary way of factoring the Klein-Gordon equation to exclude the possibilities of negative probability amplitudes. The solution to these equations involves a new type of mathematical object called a spinor field, which can be realized locally as a 4-dimensional vector field containing 4 complex components. Matrix algebra will be reviewed and used as an introduction to the representation of Clifford Algebras. Comparisons between the Dirac operator and the ordinary derivative will be made, including how it is possible to solve some Dirac-Schrodinger equations using the method of integrating factors.

To receive the Zoom information for this event, please contact Nina Sibchand at nabdul07@nyit.edu.