Lorentz invariance, local field theory, and faster-than-light particles

Abstract

The quantum theory of faster-than-light particles is studied following the earlier classical theory of Bilanuik, Deshpande, and Sudarshan and of Terletski. The ingenious scheme of quantization formulated by Feinberg is seen, on closer examination, to violate Lorentz invariance. Another scheme of quantization involving a new physical postulate is formulated. The consistency and novel features of this formulation are discussed in some detail.