Calculation Showing M_mu_nu Representation of Lorentz Generators

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the M_mu_nu representation of the Lorentz generators and its implications for representation theory in the context of Lorentz transformations. Participants explore the relationship between the representation of Lorentz generators and the properties of fields they act upon, particularly focusing on the vector representation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a calculation to show that the M_mu_nu representation leads to a (1,0)+(0,0) representation.
  • Another participant argues that M_{\mu\nu} varies with each representation and that the generators are derived from the behavior of spinors under restricted Lorentz transformations.
  • A participant clarifies that their reference to M_{\mu\nu} pertains to the representation acting on Lorentz 4-vectors, suggesting a complex relationship between the representations and the fields.
  • Another participant asserts that the vector representation is actually (1/2,1/2), challenging the previous claim of (1,0)+(0,0) as a reducible representation consisting of a self-dual 2-form and a scalar.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the M_mu_nu representation and its implications for the vector representation, indicating that multiple competing views remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted ambiguity regarding the definitions and interpretations of representations, as well as the assumptions underlying the calculations and claims made by participants.

alphaone
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Could somebody please show me the calculation which shows that the M_mu_nu representation of the Lorentz generators gives rise to a (1,0)+(0,0) representation? Thanks in advance
 
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I don't think this is possible. [itex]M_{\mu\nu}[/itex] is different for every representation and the calculations are actually the other way around. The generators are computed by knowing how the spinors behave under restricted LT's.
 
Thanks for the reply. I am sorry probably my notation is uncommon. When I said M_{\mu\nu} I meant the representation of the Lorentz generators when acting on a Lorentz 4-vector(so antisymmetric matrices, when all indices are raised). Also the way I learned it we started at differrent reps of the Lorentz generators and then afterwards defined the fields the transformation could act on and deduced its properties - seems to me to be some sort of chicken and egg problem. However I thought that it should be possible to compute that the vector representation is (1,0)+(0,0) as this is basically the spin of the object.
 
Actually the vector representation is (1/2,1/2). (1,0)+(0,0) is a reducibile representation and is made up of a self-dual 2-form and a scalar.
 

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