Lorentz-covariant kinetic theory for massive spin-1/2 particles

Abstract

We construct a matrix-valued spin-dependent distribution function (MVSD) for massive spin-1/2 fermions and study its properties under Lorentz transformations. Such transformations result in a Wigner rotation in spin space and in a nontrivial matrix-valued shift in space-time, which corresponds to the side jump in the massless case. We express the vector and axial-vector components of the Wigner function in terms of the MVSD and show that they transform in a Lorentz-covariant manner. We then construct a manifestly Lorentz-covariant Boltzmann equation which contains a nonlocal collision term encoding spin-orbit coupling. Finally, we obtain the spin-dependent distribution function in local equilibrium by demanding detailed balance.