| Abstract: | The path-dependent operator formalism of quantum electrodynamics proposed by Mandelstam is reformulated through quantum field theory based on characteristics of displacement operators in Minkowski space. It is shown that total energy- and total angular-momentum operators can generate inhomogeneous Lorentz transformations on any local operator including path-independent bilinear forms constructed of path-dependent electron operator Ψ(x, P), but that generators for Ψ(x, P) itself are only their Ψ(x, P)-dependent parts. Such an unfamiliar feature is characteristic of the path-dependent operator formalism. The present approach possesses unique merits in making the logic of the formalism transparent as described in the following: i) Quantum electrodynamics can be formulated but for the help of potential operator even as a tool for calculation up to a final step. ii) Some restriction, which can be used to discuss propriety of gauge conditions, can be figured out. iii) By introducing a path-rearrangement operator, we can keep infinite variety of space-like pathes with the same end point throughout our formulation as they stand. iv) Several points which must be modified in the presence of magnetic monopole are closed up. |
