The Lorentz transformations of propagation-invariant localized waves (also known as nondispersive or nondiffracting or undistorted progressive waves) are studied in the frequency-momentum space. For supports of wave functions in this space rules of transformation are derived which allow one to group all localized waves into distinct classes: subluminal, luminal, and superluminal localized waves. It is shown that for each class there is an inertial frame in which any given localized wave takes a particularly simple form. In other words, any localized wave is nothing but a relativistically aberrated and Doppler shifted version of a simple “seed” wave. Also discussed are the relations of the physical (subluminal) Lorentz tranformation to other mathematical tranformations used in the literature on localized waves, as well as physical interpretation of the substantial changes that localized waves undergo if observed and generated in different inertial frames.

• Received 15 August 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.69.036612