Cross product of complex vectors

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the computation of the cross product of complex vectors, specifically addressing whether the standard formula for the cross product applies or if modifications are necessary due to the complex nature of the vector components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to compute the cross product of complex vectors and presents the standard formula for the cross product used with real vectors, seeking clarification on its applicability to complex components.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the meaning of the unit vectors in the context of complex vectors, suggesting that the interpretation of these vectors may differ from standard definitions.
  • A third participant notes that this question has been previously raised, implying that there may be existing discussions or resources available online.
  • A later reply indicates that while the question has been previously mentioned, it remains unanswered, highlighting a lack of consensus or clarity on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the computation of the cross product for complex vectors, and multiple viewpoints regarding the interpretation and application of complex vector operations remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks clarity on the definitions and interpretations of unit vectors in the context of complex vectors, and there is an absence of established answers regarding the computation of the cross product.

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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