Quantum Clifford Algebra for Quantum Field Theory, Supersymmetry, Supergravity

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the challenges of learning Clifford algebra and spinors in higher dimensions, particularly for studying AdS/CFT and supersymmetry (SUSY). The participant has reviewed several resources, including "Introduction to the AdS/CFT Correspondence" by Horaƫiu Năstase and "Supergravity" by Freedman and Van Proeyen, but finds them lacking in motivation and detailed explanations. They seek more comprehensive books or lectures that specifically address Clifford algebra and spinors with a focus on applications in quantum field theory. Recommendations include David Hestenes' work on spacetime algebra and Zee's book on group theory, as well as Jim Gates' writings on superspace. The need for resources that provide both clarity and motivation in this complex subject area is emphasized.
shinobi20
Messages
277
Reaction score
20
I'm currently trying to learn Clifford algebra or more specifically spinors, in higher dimensions. My goal is to study AdS/CFT, but an essential part of learning it is to understand SUSY which then needs some element of Clifford algebra in higher dimensions.

I have consulted,
Introduction to the AdS/CFT Correspondence by Horaƫiu Năstase
Supergravity by Daniel Z. Freedman and Antoine Van Proeyen

The book by Năstase only discussed it in a section and is extremely compact, no motivation and discussion of the steps. The book by Freedman devoted two sections and is more comprehensive than Năstase, but it is still lacking in motivation with the steps and some equations.

So, I'm looking for books or lectures more devoted to Clifford algebra/spinors in higher dimensions that is tailored specifically for people pursuing AdS/CFT or quantum field theory. I believe Clifford algebra/spinors in higher dimensions resources can be extremely varied in its presentation depending on the target audience. I've searched the web for some lectures but either it is also too brief and just a list of equations or it is geared towards mathematicians with theorem-proof format.

An example of the briefness and no motivation style is to just present the higher dimensional ##\gamma##-matrices as a bunch of tensor products of ##\sigma##-matrices. My question is, why? No explanation or motivation at all, this goes on throughout the books I listed above, just listing down and checking that every equation is consistent with the previous.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Start with David Hestenes spacetime algebra. Very good intro with intuition for physics.
 
  • Like
Likes Demystifier
Zee's book on Group Theory has a nice overview on Clifford algebras.
 
  • Like
Likes Demystifier
For susy there's no better than sueperspace and 1000 and 1 lessons by jim gates et al.
 
  • Like
Likes Demystifier
For the following four books, has anyone used them in a course or for self study? Compiler Construction Principles and Practice 1st Edition by Kenneth C Louden Programming Languages Principles and Practices 3rd Edition by Kenneth C Louden, and Kenneth A Lambert Programming Languages 2nd Edition by Allen B Tucker, Robert E Noonan Concepts of Programming Languages 9th Edition by Robert W Sebesta If yes to either, can you share your opinions about your personal experience using them. I...
Hi, I have notice that Ashcroft, Mermin and Wei worked at a revised edition of the original solid state physics book (here). The book, however, seems to be never available. I have also read that the reason is related to some disputes related to copyright. Do you have any further information about it? Did you have the opportunity to get your hands on this revised edition? I am really curious about it, also considering that I am planning to buy the book in the near future... Thanks!
I’ve heard that in some countries (for example, Argentina), the curriculum is structured differently from the typical American program. In the U.S., students usually take a general physics course first, then move on to a textbook like Griffiths, and only encounter Jackson at the graduate level. In contrast, in those countries students go through a general physics course (such as Resnick-Halliday) and then proceed directly to Jackson. If the slower, more gradual approach is considered...

Similar threads

Back
Top