Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2017/iii/paper-301/2/e/solution

For the stated matrix exponential parametrization in the connected proper orthochronous Lorentz group, use the corresponding Spinor representation of the Lorentz group:
The spacetime argument is inverse-transformed because this is an active transformation of the field at a fixed coordinate . Equivalently, with , . The identity integrates to , which ensures covariance of the Dirac equation.
Strictly, depends on a lift to the Spin group, not just on the final Lorentz transformation: two lifts differ by sign. The specified generator exponential chooses a lift along its continuous path from the identity. This qualification is essential for the full-rotation comparison in part (g).

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