Spin-rotation couplings: spinning test particles and Dirac field

The hypothesis of coupling between spin and rotation introduced long ago by Mashhoon is examined in the context of “1+3” and “3+1” space-time splitting techniques, either in special or in general relativity. Its content is discussed in terms of classical (Mathisson-Papapetrou-Dixon-Souriou model) as well as quantum physics (Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation for the Dirac field in an external field), reviewing and discussing all the relevant theoretical literature concerning the existence of such effect. Some original contributions are also included.