Dual field strength equals to itself

In summary: A^{\mu_1 \cdots \mu_{2k}}) \epsilon_{\mu_1 \cdots \mu_{2k} \nu_{2k+1} \cdots \nu_D} = (-1)^{k} k! \delta^{\mu_{2k+1}}_{[\nu_{2k+1}} \cdots \delta^{\mu_D}_{\nu_D]} A^{\mu_1 \cdots \mu_{2k}}$$which, as we can see, is the same as $(*)$. Hence, the identity $(*)$ is valid in any dimension $D$.
  • #1
ismaili
160
0
[tex]
\epsilon^{\mu_1\mu_2\cdots\mu_k\ \mu_{k+1}\cdots\mu_D}
\epsilon_{\mu_1\cdots\mu_k\ \nu_{k+1}\cdots\nu_{D}}
= (-1)k!\delta^{\mu_{k+1}}_{[\nu_{k+1}}\cdots\delta^{\mu_D}_{\nu_D]}\quad\cdots(*)
[/tex]
where we are working in the Minkowski space.
And the definition of square bracket on indices is like this,
[tex]
A_{[\mu_1\mu_2\mu_3]}
=\frac{1}{3!}(A_{\mu_1\mu_2\mu_3}-A_{\mu_1\mu_3\mu_2}+\cdots)
[/tex]

I'm wondering the validity of this identity, while I'm trying to check the possibility that the duality of a field strength is equal to itself.
In 4D, this seems to be impossible, because, if
[tex]
\tilde{F}_{\mu\nu} = \frac{1}{2}\epsilon_{\mu\nu\rho\sigma}F^{\rho\sigma}
= F_{\mu\nu}
[/tex]
, we multiply the both sides of the above equation by [tex] \epsilon^{\mu\nu\alpha\beta}/2 [/tex] and sum over [tex]\mu,\nu[/tex], we will see
[tex]
\quad\Rightarrow\quad
F_{\alpha\beta} = -F_{\alpha\beta}
[/tex]
where eq(*) is used.
But if eq(*) is true, then in any dimension, the dual of a field strength is never equal to itself!
Since the main problem of the above calculation is that minus sign due to the signature of Minkowski space.

However, I'm sure that in 2D, the self dual field strength exists.
So, is my identity eq(*) correct? If it's correct, where is my argument wrong?
Thank you so much.

Sincerely
 
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  • #2
,TaeYoungA:In $D$ dimensions the equation $(*)$ is true. You can easily check it using Young symmetrizers, for example. For a rank $2k$ antisymmetric tensor we have:$$A_{\mu_1 \cdots \mu_{2k}} = \frac{1}{(2k)!} \sum_{\sigma \in S_{2k}} (-1)^{\sigma} \sigma (A_{\mu_1 \cdots \mu_{2k}})$$where $S_{2k}$ is the permutation group of $2k$ elements and $(-1)^{\sigma}$ is the signature of the permutation $\sigma$.Now, if we contract the two Levi-Civita tensors with the antisymmetric tensor we obtain:$$A^{\mu_1 \cdots \mu_{2k}} \epsilon_{\mu_1 \cdots \mu_{2k} \nu_{2k+1} \cdots \nu_D} = \frac{1}{(2k)!} \sum_{\sigma \in S_{2k}} (-1)^{\sigma} \sigma (A^{\mu_1 \cdots \mu_{2k}}) \epsilon_{\mu_1 \cdots \mu_{2k} \nu_{2k+1} \cdots \nu_D}$$On the other hand, the identity $(*)$ implies:$$A^{\mu_1 \cdots \mu_{2k}} \epsilon_{\mu_1 \cdots \mu_{2k} \nu_{2k+1} \cdots \nu_D} = (-1)^{k} k! \delta^{\mu_{2k+1}}_{[\nu_{2k+1}} \cdots \delta^{\mu_D}_{\nu_D]} A^{\mu_1 \cdots \mu_{2k}}$$Comparing the two expressions we see that they are equal if and only if $$\sum_{\sigma \in S_{2k}} (-1)^
 

Related to Dual field strength equals to itself

1. What does "dual field strength equals to itself" mean?

"Dual field strength equals to itself" is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the strength of a field at a particular point is equal to the strength of its dual field at that same point. This means that the electric field strength is equal to the magnetic field strength at a specific point in space.

2. How is dual field strength related to electromagnetism?

Dual field strength is a key concept in electromagnetism, as it describes the relationship between electric and magnetic fields. According to Maxwell's equations, changes in electric fields produce magnetic fields and vice versa, which is a manifestation of dual field strength.

3. Can you provide an example of dual field strength in action?

One example of dual field strength is the propagation of electromagnetic waves, such as light. As the electric field oscillates, it creates a magnetic field, which in turn creates an electric field, and so on. This process continues as the wave travels through space.

4. How is dual field strength related to the concept of duality?

Dual field strength is closely related to the concept of duality, which refers to the interchanging of properties between electric and magnetic fields. This duality is evident in the equations that describe the behavior of these fields, as they are symmetrical and interchangeable.

5. What are the implications of dual field strength in modern technology?

The understanding of dual field strength has led to many advancements in modern technology, particularly in the fields of telecommunications and electronics. It allows for the manipulation and control of electric and magnetic fields, which is essential in the development of devices such as antennas, transmitters, and receivers.

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