On the removal of the infinite self-energies of point-particles

Abstract

A general method is set up for modifying the energy-momentum tensor so as to remove the singularities in the flow of energy and momentum into the world-line of a particle without affecting the equations of motion of the particle. It is shown how the singularities of different order may be removed one by one. In the case of the electromagnetic and meson fields it is shown that the modified tensor leads to a finite integral of energy and momentum over any space-like surface. In other cases the corresponding result may be secured by making a further modification in the tensor.