Complex vector X, X=point in 3D phase space, X*X = 0.

**Spinnor** · Jul1-09, 09:12 AM

Let X=(x1, x2, x3) be an element of the vector space C^3. The dot product of X with itself, X·X, is (x1x1+x2x2+x3x3). Note that if x1=a+ib then x1x1=x1^2 = a^2 - b^2 + i(2ab), rather that a^2+b^2, which is x1 times the conjugate of x1.

Let the real part of C represent the position of a particle in R^3 under the influence of 3D harmonic oscillator potential. Let the imaginary part of C represent the velocity of this particle.

What possible paths of a point particle in R^3 subject to a 3D harmonic oscillator potential, if any, satisfy X·X = 0 ?

Possible paths of a point particle in R^3 subject to a 3D harmonic oscillator potential lie in a plane?

Thank you for any suggestions on how you would solve this.

**HallsofIvy** · Jul1-09, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by Spinnor

Let X=(x1, x2, x3) be an element of the vector space C^3. The dot product of X with itself, X·X, is (x1x1+x2x2+x3x3). Note that if x1=a+ib then x1x1=x1^2 = a^2 - b^2 + i(2ab), rather that a^2+b^2, which is x1 times the conjugate of x1.

So you are using a "non-standard" dot product that is NOT an inner product over the vector space?

Let the real part of C represent the position of a particle in R^3 under the influence of 3D harmonic oscillator potential. Let the imaginary part of C represent the velocity of this particle.

What possible paths of a point particle in R^3 subject to a 3D harmonic oscillator potential, if any, satisfy X·X = 0 ?

Possible paths of a point particle in R^3 subject to a 3D harmonic oscillator potential lie in a plane?

Thank you for any suggestions on how you would solve this.

**Spinnor** · Jul1-09, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by HallsofIvy

So you are using a "non-standard" dot product that is NOT an inner product over the vector space?

I think so. With such a definition, in The Theory of Spinors by Cartan, spinors "pop" out.