Currents & Multiplets: Understanding the Algebra of SU(N)

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Sombrero
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Currents
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between currents, charges, and multiplets in the context of the SU(N) group in quantum field theory (QFT). It confirms that if currents yield charges that form a closed algebra of SU(N), then the particles associated with these currents indeed form a multiplet of a representation of SU(N). The conversation highlights the importance of constructing Lagrangians that are SU(N)-invariant, with fields belonging to specific representations, such as the fundamental and adjoint representations in SU(2).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum field theory (QFT) concepts
  • Familiarity with SU(N) group theory
  • Knowledge of Lagrangian mechanics in particle physics
  • Basic grasp of Fock space and particle representation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the construction of SU(N)-invariant Lagrangians
  • Learn about the fundamental and adjoint representations in SU(2)
  • Explore the derivation of currents from Lagrangians in QFT
  • Investigate the role of Fock space in quantum field theory
USEFUL FOR

Particle physicists, quantum field theorists, and students of theoretical physics seeking to deepen their understanding of the algebraic structures underlying particle interactions and representations in SU(N) groups.

Sombrero
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
Dear Gents,

I have one question:

Can I say that if I I have some currents, charges form these currents (integrals over time components) and these charges form a close algebra of some group SU (N), then I say that the particles sitting in these currents (all possible incoming/outgoing particles) form a multiplet of some representation of this group SU (N).

If I am correct based on what can I state that?

If not correct what do I say wrong?

Thanks a lot
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sombrero said:
Dear Gents,
I have one question:
Can I say that if I I have some currents, charges form these currents (integrals over time components) and these charges form a close algebra of some group SU (N), then I say that the particles sitting in these currents (all possible incoming/outgoing particles) form a multiplet of some representation of this group SU (N).
If I am correct based on what can I state that?
If not correct what do I say wrong?
Thanks a lot

Yes, you are right. However, I would not use the phrase "particles sitting in currents".
In QFT, particles are represented by vectors in the Fock space of states (remember the one-particle state |p>={a}^\dagger (p)|0>), while currents (like the fields) are operators.
The reason why you are right is trivial, because we know this fact even before deriving the form the currents.
As you might know, we derive the currents from a Lagrangian. We costruct this Lagrangian to be, for example, SU(n)-invariant. And to do this, the fields must belong to a certain SU(n) multiplets.
For example, to construct SU(2) invariant Lagrangian, we use fields belong to;
1) the fundamental representation (the {2}=SU(2)-doublet), for example; N=(p,n) or q=(u,d).
2) the adjoint representation (the {3}=SU(2)-triplet), examples; the pions or vector bosons.
So the total SU(2)-invariant Lagrangian will be;
L({2}) + L({3}) + L(int.of {2} & {3}),
and when you derive the total current from this Lagrangian, you will find the {2} and the {3} "sitting" in it.


regards

sam
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
988
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K