1
vote
1answer
37 views

What is the Lorentz tensor with a superscript and subscript index?

I have been reading about symmetries of systems' actions, e.g. the Polyakov action, and I have encountered Lorentz transformations of the form: $\Lambda^{\mu}_{\nu} X^{\nu}$. I am moderately familiar ...
3
votes
1answer
91 views

When a variation of a tensor is not a tensor?

In a comment about variation of metric tensor it was shown that $$\delta g_{\mu\nu}=-g_{\mu\rho}g_{\nu\,\sigma}\delta g^{\rho\,\sigma}$$ which is contrary to the usual rule of lowering indeces of a ...
2
votes
1answer
41 views

Non-diagonal elements when switching metric signature?

Considering a metric tensor with the signature $(-,+,+,+)$: $g_{\mu\nu}= \begin{pmatrix} -c^2 & g_{01} & g_{02} & g_{03}\\ g_{10} & a^2 & g_{12} & g_{13}\\ g_{20} & g_{21} ...
1
vote
2answers
112 views

What should I call an n>4 dimensional Minkowski metric?

I am manipulating an $nxn$ metric where $n$ is often $> 4$, depending on the model. The $00$ component is always tau*constant, as in the Minkowski metric, but the signs on all components might be ...