The Symmetry Properties of a Non-Linear Relativistic Wave Equation: Lorentz Covariance, Gauge Invariance and Poincare Transformation

Abstract

The Lorentz covariance of a non-linear, time-dependent relativistic wave equation is demonstrated; the equation has recently been shown to have highly interesting and significant empirical consequences. It is established here that an operator already exists which ensures the relativistic properties of the equation. Furthermore, we show that the time-dependent equation is gauge invariant. The equation however, breaks Poincare symmetry via time translation in a way consistent with its physical interpretation. It is also shown herein that the Casimir invariant PmuPmu of the Poincare group, which corresponds to the square of the rest mass M-squared can be expressed in terms of quaternions such that M is described by an operator Q which has a constant norm and a phase phi which varies in hypercomplex space.