Asymptotic Locality: Rectifying Newton--Wigner and Foldy--Wouthuysen Localization

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Authors: E. J. Thompson
Cited by: 1

Abstract

Relativistic quantum theory supports two competing notions of particle locality. Newton--Wigner localization provides a sharp position operator on the one-particle Hilbert space but is not Lorentz covariant and leads to instantaneous spreading for positive-energy states. Foldy--Wouthuysen localization, widely used in precision experiments, yields a robust quasi-classical particle description but is representation-dependent and does not coincide with strict field-theoretic locality. We show that this tension is not a paradox in UV-complete nonlocal quantum field theories whose ultraviolet physics is encoded by an entire-function regulator. In such theories the physically accessible observables form a quasi-local algebra generated by regulated smearings with an intrinsic nonlocality length. Sharp Newton--Wigner projectors are not operationally realistic, and Newton--Wigner and Foldy--Wouthuysen localization become equivalent non-singular notions of locality in the same measurement algebra.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Quantum Mechanics and Applications Quantum Electrodynamics and Casimir Effect Quantum and Classical Electrodynamics

Publication details

Journal / source
Preprints.org
Publisher
MDPI AG
Publication date
27 January 2026
Document type
Preprint