Cross product of complex vectors

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SUMMARY

The cross product of complex vectors is not computed in the same manner as that of real vectors. While the dot product of complex vectors involves the use of complex conjugates, the cross product requires a different approach. The standard formula for the cross product, given by $$\mathbf{a}\times\mathbf{b} = (a_y b_z - a_z b_y)\mathbf{\hat{x}} + (a_z b_x - a_x b_z)\mathbf{\hat{y}} + (a_x b_y - a_y b_x)\mathbf{\hat{z}}$$, does not apply directly to complex vectors. The interpretation of unit vectors in this context remains ambiguous, indicating a need for further exploration into the properties of complex vector spaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers and their properties
  • Familiarity with vector algebra, specifically the cross product
  • Knowledge of complex conjugates and their application in vector operations
  • Basic grasp of complex functions and mappings in the complex plane
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of complex vector spaces and their operations
  • Explore the mathematical foundations of complex analysis
  • Investigate alternative definitions of cross products in higher-dimensional spaces
  • Study the implications of complex unit vectors in physical applications
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Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers interested in advanced vector calculus and the application of complex numbers in multidimensional spaces.

GabDX
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How is computed the cross product of complex vectors?

Let ##\mathbf{a}## and ##\mathbf{b}## be two vectors, each having complex components.
$$\mathbf{a} = a_x \mathbf{\hat{x}} + a_y \mathbf{\hat{y}} + a_z \mathbf{\hat{z}}$$
$$\mathbf{b} = b_x \mathbf{\hat{x}} + b_y \mathbf{\hat{y}} + b_z \mathbf{\hat{z}}$$
For example, the ##x## component of ##\mathbf{a}## could be ##a_x=3+4i##.

I know that the dot product of ##\mathbf{a}## and ##\mathbf{b}## is
$$\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b} = a_x b_x^* + a_y b_y^* + a_z b_z^*$$
where ##^*## denotes the complex conjugate. Is there some similar trick that should be done with the cross product of complex vectors or is it the same as with real vectors? In other words, is the cross product given by
$$\mathbf{a}\times\mathbf{b} = (a_y b_z - a_z b_y)\mathbf{\hat{x}}
+ (a_z b_x - a_x b_z)\mathbf{\hat{y}}
+ (a_x b_y - a_y b_x)\mathbf{\hat{z}}$$
or is it something different?
 
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In such a vector definition, it is not clear what the unit vectors x-cap, y-cap, and z-cap would represent.

In standard complex variables, a complex function f(z) represents a mapping from the complex x,y plane to another complex u,v plane, in my understanding. Thus f(z) = f(x+iy) = u + iv.
 
This question has been raised before. Google "cross product complex vectors".
 
Raised but not answered!
 

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