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peter46464
Nov28-11, 05:44 AM
Does the lambda symbol \Lambda_{\nu}^{\mu} refer specifically to the Lorentz transformation matrix or to any transformation matrix?
Also, is it essential that it's enclosed in brackets \left(\Lambda_{\nu}^{\mu}\right)
to indicate the entire matrix and not a particular component? Does it matter that much or is it an obvious faux pas?
Thank you

Fredrik
Nov28-11, 06:08 AM
I think it's usually just the components of a Lorentz transformation, but you shouldn't assume that every author uses that convention.

I'm not a fan of the (\Lambda^\mu{}_\nu) notation. I assume it denotes the matrix with \Lambda^\mu{}_\nu on row \mu, column \nu? I would just write \Lambda.

Note that in most books, the horizontal positioning of the indices is important.