Deriving the commutation relations of the Lie algebra of Lorentz group

In summary, the Lorentz group has two subgroups for rotations and boosts, and the commutation relation [J_m, J_n] (and [J_m, K_n]) is being derived using the Levi-Cevita symbol and its Kronecker delta dependence. The Minkowski metric is mostly minus and the generators are divided into three spatial ones and three temporal ones. The first step involves replacing ##g_{\alpha \gamma}## with ##- \delta_{ac}##. The next step involves simplifying identities with Kronecker deltas and Levi-Civitas. The commutator can be calculated by replacing ##g## with Kronecker deltas and using the defining commutation amongs ##\mathcal
  • #1
bella987
2
0
Homework Statement
Find commutation relations for Lorentz group
Relevant Equations
See below.
This is the defining generator of the Lorentz group
1_Q.png

which is then divided into subgroups for rotations and boosts
2_Q.png

And I then want to find the commutation relation [J_m, J_n] (and [J_m, K_n] ). I'm following this derivation, but am having a hard time to understand all the steps:
Skjermbilde 2023-04-09 130023.png

especially between here and the following step
4_Q.png

Could someone explain to someone just getting familiar with the Levi-Cevita symbol and its Kronecker delta dependence, what exactly is going on from step to step here? I would be so grateful!!
 
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  • #2
Indices with roman letters are spatial right, and greek time + spatial?
What definition of minkowski metric you have? Diag(+,-,-,-) or Diag(-,+,+,+)?
 
  • #3
Hmm, the greek letters are definitely time + spatial, but in the second included equation we divide the 6 generators into three spatial ones (rotations) and three temporal ones (boosts), so the roman ones are used when seperating them like that.
And it's mostly minus metric.
 
  • #4
Ok, great.
Well that is the first step. ##g_{\alpha \gamma}## becomes ##- \delta_{ac}##.
1681042905024.png


Do you know anything about the ##\mathcal{L}## i.e. are they symmetric or anti-symmetric? This will help you simplify identities with kroneckers and levi-civitas.

Use
1681042861128.png

and calculate the commutator
1681042891053.png

show first that this equals
1681042925729.png

just by replacing ##g## with kroeckers and using the defining commutation amongs ##\mathcal{L}##.

As per the forum rules, you must show your attempt at a solution. "I do not understand" is not enough.
 

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1. What is the Lie algebra of the Lorentz group?

The Lie algebra of the Lorentz group is a mathematical structure that describes the infinitesimal transformations of the Lorentz group. It consists of all possible linear combinations of the six generators of the Lorentz group, which are the three rotations in space and the three boosts in the time direction.

2. What are the commutation relations of the Lie algebra of the Lorentz group?

The commutation relations of the Lie algebra of the Lorentz group are the mathematical equations that describe how the generators of the group interact with each other. They are given by the following equations: [Ji, Jj] = iεijkJk and [Ji, Kj] = iεijkKk, where Ji and Kj are the generators of rotations and boosts, respectively, and εijk is the Levi-Civita symbol.

3. How are the commutation relations derived?

The commutation relations of the Lie algebra of the Lorentz group can be derived using the Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff formula, which is a mathematical tool for computing the commutator of two operators. By applying this formula to the generators of the Lorentz group, the commutation relations can be obtained.

4. What is the significance of the commutation relations in physics?

The commutation relations of the Lie algebra of the Lorentz group are important in physics because they describe the fundamental symmetries of spacetime. These symmetries are crucial in understanding the laws of physics and have implications in various areas such as special relativity, quantum mechanics, and particle physics.

5. Are there any other applications of the commutation relations?

Yes, the commutation relations of the Lie algebra of the Lorentz group have many other applications in mathematics and physics. They are used in the study of Lie groups and Lie algebras, which have applications in fields such as differential geometry, topology, and representation theory. They are also used in the construction of gauge theories, which are important in modern physics.

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