Exploring Irreducible Representations of Clifford Algebra

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of representation and conjugacy in the context of the Clifford algebra and its relationship with gamma matrices. It is explained that the statement "there is only one non-trivial irreducible representation of the Clifford algebra, up to conjugacy" means that any set of gamma matrices that satisfies the given equation can be related to another set through conjugation.
  • #1
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I'm doing a course which assumes knowledge of Group Theory - unfortunately I don't have very much.

Can someone please explain this statement to me (particularly the bits in bold):

"there is only one non-trivial irreducible representation of the Cliford algebra, up to conjugacy"

FYI The Clifford algebra is just the the relationship between gamma matrices:

[tex][\gamma_\mu,\gamma_\nu]=2\eta_{\nu\mu}[/tex]

where [..] is the anticommutator rather than the commutator
 
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  • #2
The γμ's are initially understood to be abstract objects satisfying the equation you've written. Representation means we assign a matrix to each γμ and interpret the equation as a matrix equation, where the RHS contains the identity matrix I. Conjugacy refers to the fact that for any matrix M, if γμ is a solution then the conjugate set γμ' = M γμ M-1 is also a solution. Irreducible means that the γμ's are not simultaneously block diagonal, nor conjugate to a set that is block diagonal.

Putting that all together, it means that you can write down any set of γ matrices you can think of that solve the equation, and be assured that any other set γ' you might have chosen instead is related to your set by a conjugation.
 
  • #3
Bill_K said:
The γμ's are initially understood to be abstract objects satisfying the equation you've written. Representation means we assign a matrix to each γμ and interpret the equation as a matrix equation, where the RHS contains the identity matrix I. Conjugacy refers to the fact that for any matrix M, if γμ is a solution then the conjugate set γμ' = M γμ M-1 is also a solution. Irreducible means that the γμ's are not simultaneously block diagonal, nor conjugate to a set that is block diagonal.

Putting that all together, it means that you can write down any set of γ matrices you can think of that solve the equation, and be assured that any other set γ' you might have chosen instead is related to your set by a conjugation.

thanks for the info Bill:)
 

1. What is Clifford algebra?

Clifford algebra is a mathematical framework that extends the concept of complex numbers to higher dimensions. It is based on the work of mathematician William Kingdon Clifford and is used in various fields such as physics, engineering, and computer science to study geometric objects and transformations.

2. How are irreducible representations related to Clifford algebra?

Irreducible representations are a way of decomposing a larger mathematical object into simpler parts. In the context of Clifford algebra, irreducible representations can be used to understand the properties and symmetries of geometric objects and transformations in higher dimensions.

3. What are the applications of exploring irreducible representations of Clifford algebra?

The applications of exploring irreducible representations of Clifford algebra are vast and can be found in various fields such as physics, engineering, and computer science. Some examples include understanding the symmetries of crystals in materials science, analyzing the behavior of particles in quantum mechanics, and developing efficient algorithms for computer graphics.

4. How is the study of irreducible representations of Clifford algebra different from other mathematical topics?

The study of irreducible representations of Clifford algebra is unique because it combines elements of both abstract algebra and geometry. It involves understanding complex mathematical structures and their geometric interpretations, making it a highly interdisciplinary field.

5. Are there any real-world examples of the use of irreducible representations of Clifford algebra?

Yes, there are many real-world examples of the use of irreducible representations of Clifford algebra. As mentioned earlier, it has applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and computer science. Some specific examples include the study of quarks and gluons in particle physics, the design of communication systems in electrical engineering, and the development of computer vision algorithms for object recognition.

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