Summary
An elementary proof of the unicity of the wave equation for free spin-3/2 fields (and the corresponding Feynman integral equation) is given. Covariant forms are exhibited and a heuristic S U2 ⊗ U1 model is adopted for the construction of possible electromagnetic and weak currents involving spin-3/2 particles. The notions of Dirac and Majorana masses for spin-3/2 neutrinos are generalized from the spin-3/2 case.
Although spin-3/2 field theories present well-known difficulties, we propose to use currents and amplitudes involving these fields to calculate effects which may be submitted to experimental search.
Among the decays of charged massive spin-3/2 particles, the radiative decay into the spin-1/2 lepton of the same family is possible. A systematic experimental search for spin-3/2 leptons (and quarks) is urged.
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Fleury, N., Leite Lopes, J. & Spehler, D. Do spin-3/2 leptons exist?. Lett. Nuovo Cimento 36, 401–408 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02747177
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02747177