QUANTUM ELECTRODYNAMICS - AN INDIVIDUAL VIEW

J. Schwinger

The aim of this report is to describe the development of the quantum electrodynamics in the years from the 1930's to the 1950's. It is based on the way the author saw and participate to this development. Four phases are discussed : preparation (1934 - 1946) ; non-covariant relativistic theory (1947) ; first covariant relativistic theory (1947 - 1948) ; second covariant relativistic theory (1949 - 1950). A detailed technical description is presented. The author shows the influence of quantum electrodynamics in other areas of physics.

Domaines: Articles anciens

J. Schwinger. QUANTUM ELECTRODYNAMICS - AN INDIVIDUAL VIEW. Journal de Physique Colloques, 1982, 43 (C8), pp.C8-409-C8-423. ⟨10.1051/jphyscol:1982826⟩. ⟨jpa-00222386⟩