Can L Be Isomorphic to sl(2,C)?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on demonstrating that the Lie algebra L, defined by the matrix representation involving complex numbers a, b, and c, is isomorphic to sl(2, C). The basis for L is established using matrices e_1, e_2, and e_3, which confirm that L is non-abelian and simple. The user identifies elements e, f, and h in L that satisfy the required commutation relations, indicating a homomorphism to sl(2, C). The conclusion is that since L spans the entire space and has the same dimension as sl(2, C), it is indeed isomorphic without needing to explicitly define an injection or surjection.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lie algebras and their properties
  • Familiarity with the structure and properties of sl(2, C)
  • Knowledge of matrix representations of algebraic structures
  • Comprehension of homomorphisms, injections, and surjections in algebra
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Lie algebras, focusing on non-abelian and simple types
  • Learn about the representation theory of sl(2, C) and its applications
  • Explore the concepts of injections and surjections in the context of algebraic structures
  • Investigate examples of isomorphic Lie algebras and their mappings
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, particularly those specializing in algebra and representation theory, as well as students studying advanced linear algebra and Lie algebras.

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Homework Statement



Take

[tex]L = \left(\begin{array}{ccc}0 & -a & -b \\b & c & 0 \\a & 0 & -c\end{array}\right)[/tex]

where a,b,c are complex numbers.

Homework Equations



I find that a basis for the above Lie Algebra is

[tex]e_1 = \left(\begin{array}{ccc}0 & -1 & 0 \\0 & 0 & 0 \\1 & 0 & 0 \end{array}\right)[/tex]

[tex]e_2 = \left(\begin{array}{ccc}0 & 0 & -1 \\1 & 0 & 0 \\0 & 0 & 0 \end{array}\right)[/tex]

[tex]e_3 = \left(\begin{array}{ccc}0 & 0 & 0 \\0 & 1 & 0 \\0 & 0 & -1 \end{array}\right)[/tex]

I then calculate all the products [itex][e_i,e_j][/itex] and see that L is non-abelian and simple

The Attempt at a Solution



The question then asks show L is isomorphic to sl(2,C). I have found [itex]e,f,h \in L[/itex] such that [itex][h,e] = 2e, [h,f] = -2f, [e,f] = h[/itex]
where,

[tex]h = \left(\begin{array}{ccc}0 & 0 & 0 \\0 & 2 & 0 \\0 & 0 & -2 \end{array}\right)[/tex]

[tex]e = \left(\begin{array}{ccc}0 & 0 & -\sqrt{2} \\ \sqrt{2} & 0 & 0 \\0 & 0 & 0 \end{array}\right)[/tex]

[tex]f = \left(\begin{array}{ccc}0 & -\sqrt{2} & 0 \\0 & 0 & 0 \\ \sqrt{2} & 0 & 0 \end{array}\right)[/tex]

if I haven't made any mistakes. I see L is homomorphic to sl(2,C) but how do I show it's an isomorphism? (i.e show the injection and surjection). I know the definitions for an injection map and a surjection map but don't know how to apply it in this case.

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Last edited:
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You've just written down a sub-algebra isomorphic to sl_2, and clearly it is all of the space (just by dimension arguments). There is nothing more to show.

You haven't actually written down a map so you can't apply the notion of injection or surjection. If you want to put in a map - there is an obvious one - then it is trivially an injection (and a surjection).
 

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