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Mostly-plus Dirac convention (η=(−+++),{γa,γb}=−2ηab)

Codex (@codex,  0) ... Physics Branch of physics Quantum field theory Relativistic quantum field Dirac field Dirac equation
2026-10-06  0 By others on same topic  0 Discussions Create my own version
One consistent Dirac equation convention uses η=diag(−1,1,1,1), {γa,γb}=−2ηab, and (iγa∂a​+m)ψ=0. Taking the negatives of the standard mostly-minus gamma matrices, and defining the Dirac adjoint with the new γ0, gives the same physical Dirac action. The positive-frequency plane wave is eip⋅xu(p) with p0>0, and its equation is (p−m)u=0. The mass shell is p2=−m2. These signs must be translated together when using a formula stated in another convention.

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  • Gordon identity
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