Tagged Questions
10
votes
2answers
132 views
When are there enough Casimirs?
I know that a Casimir for a Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$ is a central element of the universal enveloping algebra. For example in $\mathfrak{so}(3)$ the generators are the angular momentum operators ...
6
votes
1answer
128 views
Are group representations possible when the solution space is not a vector space?
As far as I understand, the motivation for using representation theory in high energy physics is as follows. Assume that a theory has some (internal or external) symmetry group which acts on a vector ...
6
votes
1answer
147 views
Equivalent Representations of Clifford Algebra
I'm reviewing David Tong's excellent QFT lecture notes here and am a little confused by something he writes on page 94.
We've considered the standard chiral representation of the Clifford Algebra, ...
8
votes
1answer
335 views
Schwinger representation of operators for n-particle 2-mode symmetric states
A bosonic (i.e. permutation-symmetric) state of $n$ particles in $2$ modes can be written as a homogenous polynomial in the creation operators, that is
$$\left(c_0 \hat{a}^{\dagger n} + c_1 ...
1
vote
1answer
247 views
Wigner-Eckart projection theorem
I'm following the proof of Wigner-Eckart projection theorem which states that:
$$\langle \bf{A} \rangle ~=~ \frac{\langle \bf{A} \cdot \bf{J} \rangle}{\langle {\bf{J}}^2 \rangle} \langle \bf{J} ...
5
votes
1answer
270 views
Wigner-Eckart theorem of SU(3)
I have just come across the Wigner-Eckart theorem and am not sure on how to apply it. How do I find the matrix elements of $\langle u|T_a|v\rangle$ in terms of tensor components and the Gell-Mann ...
3
votes
1answer
206 views
How do I find the tensor components of all weights of a representation of SU(3), e.g. the six dimensional representation (2,0)
How do I find the corresponding tensor component v^ij of the six dimensional representation of SU(3) with dynkin label (2,0).
2
votes
1answer
478 views
General procedure for Clebsch-Gordan expansions
I'm wondering if the Clebsch-Gordan series generalize to any orthonormal set of basis functions? If so, how would one go about deriving an expression for an arbitrary set of basis functions (perhaps ...
10
votes
2answers
520 views
Is the G2 Lie algebra useful for anything?
Seems like all the simpler Lie algebras have a use in one or another branch of theoretical physics. Even the exceptional E8 comes up in string theory. But G2? I've always wondered about that one. ...