Variational generalization of free relativistic top

Abstract

We prove that well known first-order (in spin, momentum, and space-time coordinates) equations of motion of relativistic top are equivalent to the third-order equations of Mathisson on the surface of the Mathisson-Pirani auxiliary constraint. We then consider these third-order equations in flat space-time with constant spin 4-vector and invent a Lagrange function for them. Allowing physical interpretation to be applied to the complete set of extremals yields a whole spectrum of spin-dependent effective 'proper mass' of the relativistic top.