Bertrand Delamotte

The Pauli principle ceases to be a principle and becomes a theorem when transitioning from Galilean quantum mechanics to Lorentz-invariant quantum theory, that is, quantum field theory. The fascinating aspect of this transition is that, even though this principle/theorem plays a major role in the Galilean limit (its consequences do not diminish as one considers speeds much smaller than the speed of light), no one has ever been able to prove it while restricting to Galilean invariance.

This seminar will begin by introducing some basic ideas about what quantum field theory is, why it is necessary, and how it differs from Galilean quantum theory. The Pauli principle will then be reviewed, and the proof of this principle within the framework of quantum field theory will be presented. The role of four-dimensional spacetime will be briefly discussed.