Multi-symplectic Runge–Kutta methods for nonlinear Dirac equations

In this paper, we consider the multi-symplectic Runge–Kutta (MSRK) methods applied to the nonlinear Dirac equation in relativistic quantum physics, based on a discovery of the multi-symplecticity of the equation. In particular, the conservation of energy, momentum and charge under MSRK discretizations is investigated by means of numerical experiments and numerical comparisons with non-MSRK methods. Numerical experiments presented reveal that MSRK methods applied to the nonlinear Dirac equation preserve exactly conservation laws of charge and momentum, and conserve the energy conservation in the corresponding numerical accuracy to the method utilized. It is verified numerically that MSRK methods are stable and convergent with respect to the conservation laws of energy, momentum and charge, and MSRK methods preserve not only the inner geometric structure of the equation, but also some crucial conservative properties in quantum physics. A remarkable advantage of MSRK methods applied to the nonlinear Dirac equation is the precise preservation of charge conservation law.