The classical self-force of the electron and the fundamental quantum commutation relation.

摘要

The classical equation of motion of the electron, commonly called the LAD equation (after Lorentz, Abraham and Dirac) is explored, particularly the role of the electron self-interaction. The historical development of the equation is reviewed and a variety of experimental and theoretical consequences of the self-force terms discussed. Finally, the contribution of the self-force in determining the fundamental quantum commutation relation [x, p ] = iħ is studied in detail.