New Formalism for the Quantization of a Spin-32Field

The general equation satisfied by a vector-spinor field is considered and it is found that in addition to the spin-$\frac{3}{2}$ solution there are two spin-½ solutions of arbitrary masses. The conditions for these masses to be infinite are identical to the irreducibility conditions of the Rarita-Schwinger formalism. It is shown that a consistent quantization can be achieved, and some of the usual difficulties avoided, if the limit of infinite masses is taken after the quantization. This is similar to what happens in Lee and Yang's $\xi$-limiting formalism for vector bosons. It is also found that the spin-½ part acts as a regulator for the propagator of the field.