Conformal group, infinitesimal transformation

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the infinitesimal generators of the conformal group through the transformation \(x^{\mu} \to x^\mu+\epsilon^\mu\). The key equation derived is \((d-2)\partial_\mu\partial_\nu(\partial\cdot\epsilon)+d\partial_\nu\Box{\epsilon}_\mu=0\), which is essential for understanding the behavior of the infinitesimal transformation in \(d\)-dimensional spacetime. Participants suggest using the relation \(d=\eta_{\mu\nu}\eta^{\mu\nu}\) to further progress in the solution. The discussion emphasizes the importance of symmetry in the derived equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conformal transformations in theoretical physics
  • Familiarity with tensor calculus and the notation of spacetime indices
  • Knowledge of the d-dimensional Minkowski metric, \(\eta_{\mu\nu}\)
  • Basic concepts of differential operators, including the d'Alembertian operator, \(\Box\)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the conformal group in higher dimensions
  • Learn about the implications of symmetry in differential equations
  • Explore the role of the d'Alembertian operator in field theory
  • Investigate the derivation of infinitesimal generators in other symmetry groups
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum field theory, as well as graduate students studying advanced topics in mathematical physics and symmetry operations.

physicus
Messages
52
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement


In order to determine the infinitesimal generators of the conformal group we consider an infinitesimal coordinate transformation:
[itex]x^{\mu} \to x^\mu+\epsilon^\mu[/itex]
We obtain [itex]\partial_\mu\epsilon_\nu+\partial_\nu\epsilon_\mu=\frac{2}{d}(\partial\cdot\epsilon)\eta_{\mu\nu}[/itex] where d is the dimension of spacetime.
Derive [itex](\eta_{\mu\nu}\Box+(d-2)\partial_\mu \partial_\nu)\partial\cdot\epsilon=0[/itex]

Homework Equations


[itex]\eta_{\mu\nu}\eta^{\mu\nu}=d[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I think I am really close to the solution, but somehow I don't arrive there.
[itex]\partial_\mu\epsilon_\nu+\partial_\nu\epsilon_\mu=\frac{2}{d}(\partial\cdot\epsilon)\eta_{\mu\nu}[/itex]
[itex]\Rightarrow \partial^\nu\partial_\mu\epsilon_\nu+\partial^\nu{\partial}_\nu\epsilon_\mu=\frac{2}{d}\partial^\nu({\partial}\cdot\epsilon)\eta_{\mu\nu}[/itex]
[itex]\Rightarrow \partial_\mu(\partial\cdot\epsilon)+\Box{\epsilon}_\mu=\frac{2}{d}\partial_\mu(\partial\cdot\epsilon)[/itex]
[itex]\Rightarrow (d-2)\partial_\mu(\partial\cdot\epsilon)+d\cdot{\Box}{\epsilon}_\mu=0[/itex]
[itex]\Rightarrow (d-2)\partial_\mu\partial_\nu(\partial\cdot\epsilon)+d\partial_\nu\Box{\epsilon}_\mu=0[/itex]
I think I need to use [itex]d=\eta_{\mu\nu}\eta^{\mu\nu}[/itex] now, but I don't get the right result.
Can somebody help me?

physicus
 
Physics news on Phys.org
physicus said:
[itex]\partial_\mu\epsilon_\nu+\partial_\nu\epsilon_\mu=\frac{2}{d}(\partial\cdot\epsilon)\eta_{\mu\nu}~~~(*)[/itex]

...

[itex]\Rightarrow (d-2)\partial_\mu\partial_\nu(\partial\cdot\epsilon)+d\partial_\nu\Box{\epsilon}_\mu=0~~~(**)[/itex]

The first term in (**) is symmetric in ##\mu\nu##, so we can write (**) as

$$(d-2)\partial_\mu\partial_\nu(\partial\cdot\epsilon)+\frac{d}{2} \Box ( \partial_\nu{\epsilon}_\mu + \partial_\mu{\epsilon}_\nu)=0.$$

Alternatively, you can take the divergence of (*) with ##\partial^\mu## and add it to (**) to get this equation. It should be clear what to do next.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K