Derivative of the Ad map on a Lie group

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the derivative of the adjoint map on a Lie group, specifically examining the formula relating the adjoint operator to the derivative of a smooth curve in the context of Lie groups and their algebras. Participants explore the implications of this formula, its validity beyond matrix groups, and references to relevant literature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a formula involving the adjoint operator and its derivative, questioning its validity for general Lie groups as opposed to matrix groups.
  • Another participant suggests reviewing a linked resource that discusses derivatives in the context of manifolds and vector fields, implying it may provide relevant insights.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the relevance of Ado's theorem, proposing that it might facilitate transferring results from linear groups to arbitrary Lie groups.
  • Another participant highlights the importance of the relationship between the adjoint map and conjugation in the group, mentioning specific formulas related to Lie derivatives and the adjoint representation.
  • There is a suggestion that Ado's theorem may not be necessary for understanding the adjoint map, emphasizing the relativity of the term "general linear group" and introducing local Lie groups as an example.
  • References to additional literature, such as Varadarajan's book on Lie groups, are made for those interested in a deeper understanding of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the adjoint map formula to general Lie groups versus matrix groups. There is no consensus on the necessity of Ado's theorem or the completeness of the linked resource regarding the adjoint map.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the definitions of the adjoint and derived maps may be implicit in the discussion. The relationship between local Lie groups and their representations is also noted but not fully resolved.

eipiplusone
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Hi,

let ##G## be a Lie group, ##\varrho## its Lie algebra, and consider the adjoint operatores, ##Ad : G \times \varrho \to \varrho##, ##ad: \varrho \times \varrho \to \varrho##.

In a paper (https://aip.scitation.org/doi/full/10.1063/1.4893357) the following formula is used. Let ##g(t)## be a smooth curve on ##G##, with ##\frac{d}{dt}|_{t=0} g(t) = v##. And let ##u## be some arbitrary element in ##\varrho##. Then,

$$\frac{d}{dt}|_{t=0} Ad_{g(t)} u = ad_{\frac{d}{dt}|_{t=0} g(t)} u = ad_{v} u .$$

I know that this identity holds for Matrix groups, but the present setup is a general Lie group.

Furthermore, in the book "Dynamical systems and geometric mechanics", the above property is actually used as a definition of the ##ad##-map, for any ##v \in \varrho## and any curve ##g## with ##g'(0) = v##.

Any hints as to why the formula is true would be greatly appreciated.
 
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(hopefully, the equations display now).

I don't see anything about the Ad-map in Pantheon-link - am I missing something?

Regarding Ado's theorem. As I understand it, it can be used to show that any finite dimensional Lie group is locally isomorphic to a Linear group (a matrix group). I guess that might allow us to "transfer" the formula from the Linear group (on which it holds) to the abitrary Lie group. I will think about that. If you have any hints as to how the argument would go, I would love to hear them.
 
eipiplusone said:
I don't see anything about the Ad-map in Pantheon-link - am I missing something?
##\mathcal{L}_X(Y) = \operatorname{ad}X (Y) = [X,Y]##.

The most important formula is ##\operatorname{Ad} exp (\rho) = exp (\mathfrak{ad}\rho)##.

##\operatorname{Ad}## is induced by the conjugation in the group, leading to a conjugation with group elements on its tangent space, which if differentiated results in the left multiplication ##\mathfrak{ad}## in the Lie algebra.

You don't need Ado, I just mentioned it to emphasize that "not a general linear group" is relative. Of course there are local Lie groups as well, which do not naturally allow a matrix representation. Here's a nice example:
https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/journey-manifold-su2mathbbc-part/which can also serve as an easy to calculate example of the curves ##g(t)## you mentioned.

If you really want to dive in the subject, then I recommend Varadarajan's book on Lie groups. But for a quick look, the explanation of Lie derivatives and the examples there will do.
 
Last edited:

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