How Are SU(2) and U(1) Representations Combined in Particle Physics?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter lalo_u
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Representation
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the combination of SU(2) and U(1) representations in particle physics, specifically the representations of left lepton doublets as (2, -1) and right lepton singlets as (1, -2). It details the bilinear representations of left antiparticles as (2,1)×(2,1) and (1,-2)×(1,-2), explaining the resulting representations: (1,2)+(3,2) for the first case and (1,-4) for the second. The mathematical operations involved include the addition of U(1) representations and the tensor product of SU(2) doublets, yielding 2⊗2=3⊕1, which indicates one SU(2) triplet and one singlet representation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of SU(2) and U(1) group theory
  • Familiarity with particle physics terminology
  • Knowledge of tensor products in representation theory
  • Basic concepts of bilinear representations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study "Young tableaux" for representation theory applications
  • Read Chapter 70 of "Quantum Field Theory" by Srednicki
  • Explore group theory specifically tailored for physics
  • Investigate the implications of SU(2) triplet and singlet representations in particle interactions
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for particle physicists, theoretical physicists, and students studying quantum field theory who seek to understand the mathematical framework of particle representations in the Standard Model.

lalo_u
Gold Member
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Well, i´m trying to understand this:

I´ve got a representation of SU(2)_L\otimes U(1)_Y such that the left lepton doublets can be represented as (2, -1) and lepton singlets rights as (1, -2).

Then I can be left antiparticles bilinear representations as (2,1)\times(2,1) or (1,-2)\times(1,-2).

I wonder why, in the first case the possibilities are (1,2)+(3,2), and in the second case is (1,-4).

What kind of math operation has been done here?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Look up "Young tableux". You can also look up chapter 70 in the Quantum Field theory book by Srednikci , free draft here: http://web.physics.ucsb.edu/~mark/ms-qft-DRAFT.pdf
Is also covered in any "group theory for physics" book.

In the case of ##(2,1) \otimes (2,1)## we have that the U(1) representations just add like normal numbers so 1+1 = 2. The tensor product of two SU(2) doublets becomes ##2 \otimes 2 = 3 \oplus 1## in other words one SU(2) triplet and one SU(2) singlet representation
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: ohwilleke and vanhees71

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
6K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K