(1/2,1/2) Representation space: An ab initio construct

Abstract

A careful ab initio construction of the finite-mass (1/2,1/2) representation space of the Lorentz group reveals it to be a spin-parity multiplet. In general, it does not lend itself to a single-spin interpretation. We find that the (1/2,1/2) representation space for massive particles naturally bifurcates into a triplet and a singlet of opposite relative intrinsic parties. The text-book separation into spin one and spin zero states occurs only for certain limited kinematical settings. We construct a wave equation for the (1/2,1/2) multiplet, and show that the particles and antiparticles in this representation space do not carry a definite spin but only a definite relative intrinsic parity. In general, both spin one and spin zero are covariantly inseparable inhabitants of massive vector fields. This last observation suggests that scalar particles, such as the Higgs, are natural inhabitants of massive (1/2,1/2) representation space.