Tagged Questions
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 ...
8
votes
1answer
122 views
Why do we classify states under covering groups instead of the group itself?
Why do we always classify states under covering group representations instead of the group itself? For example see the following picture I lifted from 'Symmetry in physics' by Gross
So in the first ...
1
vote
1answer
247 views
Wigner-Eckart projection theorem
I'm following the proof of Wigner-Eckart projection theorem which states that:
$$\langle \bf{A} \rangle ~=~ \frac{\langle \bf{A} \cdot \bf{J} \rangle}{\langle {\bf{J}}^2 \rangle} \langle \bf{J} ...
5
votes
2answers
186 views
If the S-matrix has symmetry group G, must the fields be representations of G?
If the fields in QFT are representations of the Poincare group (or generally speaking the symmetry group of interest), then I think it's a straight forward consequence that the matrix elements and ...
2
votes
1answer
220 views
Constructing the “most general” two-particle spin interaction with $SU(2)$ symmetry
Suppose I want to write down an interaction term for an action for spin 1/2 fermions that is $SU(2)$-symmetric.
I start from the most naive general form of such an action:
$$S_{int} ~=~ \int_{4321} ...
3
votes
3answers
270 views
The Asymmetry between Real and Imaginary in the three Pauli Spin Matrices
The Pauli spin matrices
$$
\sigma_1 ~=~ (\begin{smallmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 \end{smallmatrix}),
\qquad\qquad
\sigma_2 ~=~ (\begin{smallmatrix} 0 & -i \\ i & 0 ...
7
votes
2answers
323 views
Groups acting on physics - a clarification on electrons and spin
My first question is fairly basic, but I would like to clarify my understanding. The second question is to turn this into something worth answering.
Consider a relativistic electron, described by a ...
2
votes
1answer
367 views
SU(N) symmetry and its representations
If a Lagrangian containing an N-multiplet of fields is invariant under global $\mathbf{SU}(N)$ transformations, does that necessarily imply it is invariant under $\mathbf{SU}(N-1)$, ...
