A new vector-product for geometric algebra?

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of a vector-product called "spin-product" in Geometric Algebra. This product combines random rotation of a direction-vector with an inner product of the now-aligned vectors. The proposed product allows for various combinations such as rotation-only, rotation-and-reduction, and rotation-and-dilation. The user must specify the variant being used, possibly with spin-symbols. The question is whether such a vector-product exists and should be used in Geometric Algebra.
  • #1
N88
225
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I am investigating the mathematical properties of a vector-product. I am wondering if it might be old-hat in GA (which is new to me)?

I am using the working-title "spin-product" for a vector-product that combines RANDOM rotation-only of a direction-vector [a unit 1-vector; say [itex]\boldsymbol{\sigma_1}[/itex]] ONTO another direction-vector [say [itex]\hat{a}[/itex]] FOLLOWED BY an inner product of the now-aligned vectors. The randomness follows from this fact: I am here treating the "spun" vector (the one rotated) as an unknown (ie, hidden) direction-vector associated with complex dynamics.* By way of example:

Let: [itex]\boldsymbol{\sigma_1}+\boldsymbol{\sigma_2}=0.[/itex] (1)
Given: [itex]\hat{a}\circ\boldsymbol{\sigma_1}=+1[/itex]; (2)
Then: [itex]\hat{a}\circ\boldsymbol{\sigma_2}=-\hat{a}\circ\boldsymbol{\sigma_1}=-1[/itex]. (3)

In general: [itex]\hat{a}\circ\boldsymbol{\sigma}=\pm\hat{a}.\hat{a}
=\sigma_{\hat{a}}=\pm1[/itex]. (4)
Expectations: [itex]\left\langle \hat{a}\!\circ\!\boldsymbol{\sigma}\right\rangle =0;
\left\langle (\hat{a}\!\circ\!\boldsymbol{\sigma})^{2}\right\rangle =1
[/itex]. (5)

Question: Does such a vector-product exist in GA? More cheekily: Should it?
--------------------------
* The proposed "spin-product" allows all sorts of interesting combinations: eg, combine random or non-random rotation-and-reduction, rotation-only, rotation-and-dilation of a vector onto another followed by another vector-product of the now-aligned vectors; etc.

Clearly, a user of this product needs to specify the variant being utilised; maybe with variant spin-symbols like:
a[itex]\circ[/itex]b, a[itex]\circ[/itex]b, a[itex]\circ[/itex]b, a[itex]\bullet[/itex]b; etc. But I digress!
 
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  • #2
GA meaning Genetic Algorithms?

Oops got it Geometric Algebra.
 

1. What is geometric algebra?

Geometric algebra is a mathematical framework that extends vector algebra to include other geometric objects such as points, lines, planes, and volumes. It provides a unified way to represent and manipulate these objects, making it a powerful tool for solving problems in geometry, physics, and engineering.

2. What is a vector-product in geometric algebra?

A vector-product, also known as a geometric product, is a multiplication operation in geometric algebra that combines two vectors to produce a new object called a bivector. This new object captures both the magnitude and direction of the two input vectors, making it a more powerful and versatile representation of geometric quantities.

3. How is the new vector-product different from traditional vector products?

The new vector-product in geometric algebra differs from traditional vector products, such as the dot product and cross product, in that it can operate on more than just two vectors. It also allows for the multiplication of different types of geometric objects, such as vectors and bivectors, resulting in a more comprehensive and elegant mathematical framework.

4. What are the applications of the new vector-product in geometric algebra?

The new vector-product has many applications in fields such as computer graphics, robotics, and physics. It can be used to represent and manipulate rotations, translations, and other transformations in 3D space. It also has applications in quantum mechanics, relativity, and other areas of theoretical physics.

5. Is there any software available for working with geometric algebra and the new vector-product?

Yes, there are several software packages available for working with geometric algebra and the new vector-product. Some popular options include GAViewer, GAlgebra, and Geometric Algebra Computing Environment (GACE). These tools provide a user-friendly interface for performing geometric algebra calculations and visualizing geometric objects.

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