A problem with the Schwinger term in Dirac field theory
Abstract
In order for Dirac theory to be gauge invariant it can be shown that the Schwinger term must be zero. However, it can also be shown that for the vacuum state to be the lowest energy state the Schwinger term must be nonzero. Therefore there is an inconsistency in Dirac theory involving the evaluation of the Schwinger term. This inconsistency is discussed along with a possible way to resolve it.
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