The Dirac Vacuum in Discrete Spacetime
Quantum Physics
2025-09-03 v3 High Energy Physics - Lattice
High Energy Physics - Theory
Abstract
We consider introducing the Dirac sea in a quantum cellular automata model of fermions in discrete spacetime which approximates the Dirac equation in the continuum limit. However, if we attempt to fill up the `negative' energy states, we run into a problem. A new boundary is created between positive and negative energy states, at which pair creation seems energetically favourable. This happens because of the modular nature of energy in discrete time models. We then suggest a possible remedy by amending the model, in order to pull states away from the new boundary.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2412.03466,
title = {The Dirac Vacuum in Discrete Spacetime},
author = {Chaitanya Gupta and Anthony J. Short},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2412.03466},
year = {2025}
}
Comments
accepted version by the journal