Kinetic theory for massive spin-1 particles

Abstract

We calculate the Wigner function for charged spin-1 particles in inhomogeneous classical electromagnetic fields, going to first order in a power series in $\hslash$. The Boltzmann equation for the scalar distribution function obtained from this formalism agrees with previous calculations for spin-1/2 particles. In particular, we recover a Mathisson force of twice the magnitude, correctly reflecting the higher dipole moment of vector mesons. Evolution equations for vector and tensor degrees of freedom are obtained, and global equilibrium is discussed.

Comments: Contribution to the proceedings of Quark Matter 2022. 6 pages, 1 figure