Quantum Origin of (Newtonian) Mass and Symmetry for Lorentz Covariant Physics

Abstract

The Galilean symmetry and the Poincare symmetry are usually taken as the fundamental (relativity) symmetries for `nonrelativistic' and `relativistic' physics, respectively, quantum or classical. Our fully group theoretical formulation approach to the theories, together with its natural companion of mechanics from symplectic geometry, ask for different perspectives. We present a sketch of the full picture here, emphasizing aspects which are different from the more familiar picture. The letter summarizes our earlier presented formulation while focusing on the part beyond, with an adjusted, or corrected, identification of the basic representations having the (Newtonian) mass as a Casimir invariant. Discussion on the limitations of the Poincare symmetry for the purpose is particularly elaborated.