On angular momentum operator in quantum field theory

Abstract

Relations between two definitions of (total) angular momentum operator, as a generator of rotations and in the Lagrangian formalism, are explored in quantum field theory. Generally, these definitions result in different angular momentum operators, which are suitable for different purposes in the theory. From the spin and orbital angular momentum operators (in the Lagrangian formalism) are extracted additive terms which are conserved operators and whose sum is the total angular momentum operator.