How to construct gamma matrices with two lower spinor indices for any dimension?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on constructing gamma matrices with two lower spinor indices using Clifford algebra principles. Two primary methods are identified: utilizing the charge conjugation matrix to lower one spinor index and employing inner products to derive gamma matrices directly. The discussion also highlights the representation of Clifford algebra in even dimensions, specifically using complex Grassmann algebra. For practical examples, the gamma matrices for D=4 are explicitly provided, showcasing their structure and relationships.

PREREQUISITES
  • Clifford algebra fundamentals
  • Complex Grassmann algebra
  • Charge conjugation matrix construction
  • Matrix representation of gamma matrices
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the construction of charge conjugation matrices in various dimensions
  • Explore the properties of complex Grassmann algebra
  • Study the representation theory of Clifford algebras
  • Learn about the implications of gamma matrices in quantum field theory
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The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, mathematicians specializing in algebra, and students studying quantum mechanics or string theory, particularly those interested in the mathematical foundations of particle physics.

Osiris
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Generally, Gamma matrices with one lower and one upper indices could be constructed based on the Clifford algebra.
\begin{equation}
\gamma^{i}\gamma^{j}+\gamma^{j}\gamma^{i}=2h^{ij},
\end{equation}

My question is how to generally construct gamma matrices with two lower indices. There should be at least two ways.
1). construct and use the charge conjugation matrix to lower one spinor index in the gamma matrix;
2). use inner product to directly obtain the gamma matrices with two lower spinor indices, something like $$<\Gamma e_{\alpha}, e_{\beta}>=\Gamma_{\alpha,\beta}$$, where $$e_{\alpha}$$ are the basis element.

In even dimensions (D=2m), consider
complex Grassmann algebra $$\Lambda_{m}[\alpha^{1},...,\alpha^{m}]$$ with
generators $$\alpha^{1},...,\alpha^{m}.$$) Namely, we define $$\widehat{\alpha
}^{i}$$ and $$\widehat{\beta}_{i}$$ as multiplication and differentiation
operators:
\begin{equation}
\widehat{\alpha}^{i}\psi=\alpha^{i}\psi,
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}
\widehat{\beta}_{i}\psi=\frac{\partial}{\partial \alpha ^{i}}\psi.
\end{equation}

According to the Grassmann algebra, we have
\begin{equation}
\widehat{\alpha}^{i}\widehat{\alpha}^{j}+\widehat{\alpha}^{j}\widehat{\alpha}^{i}=0,
\end{equation}

\begin{equation}
\widehat{\beta}_{i}\widehat{\beta}_{j}+\widehat{\beta}_{j} \widehat{\beta}_{i}=0
\end{equation}

\begin{equation}
\widehat{\alpha}^{i}\widehat{\beta}_{j}+\widehat{\beta}_{j} \widehat{\alpha}^{i}=delta_{j}^{i}
\end{equation}

This means that $$\widehat{\alpha}^{1},...,\widehat{\alpha}^{m}, \widehat{\beta}_{1},...,\widehat{\beta}_{m}$$ specify a representation of Clifford algebra
for some choice of $h$ (namely, for $h$ corresponding to quadratic form
$$\frac{1}{2}(x^{1}x^{m+1}+x^{2}x^{m+2}+...+x^{m}x^{2m})$$). It follows that
operators
\begin{equation}
\Gamma^{j}=\widehat{\alpha}^{j}+\widehat{\beta}_{j},1\leq j\leq m,
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}
\Gamma^{j}=\widehat{\alpha}^{j-m}-\widehat{\beta}_{j-m},m<j\leq2m,
\end{equation}
determine a representation of $Cl(m,m,\mathbb{C})$


For example, in $D=4$, we can obtain
$$\Gamma^{1}=\begin{pmatrix}0&
1&
0&
0\\
1&
0&
0&
0\\
0&
0&
0&
1\\
0&
0&
1&
0\\
\end{pmatrix}$$,
$$\Gamma^{2}=\begin{pmatrix}0&
0&
0&
1\\
0&
0&
{-1}&
0\\
0&
{-1}&
0&
0\\
1&
0&
0&
0\\
\end{pmatrix}$$,
$$\Gamma^{3}=\begin{pmatrix}0&
{-1}&
0&
0\\
1&
0&
0&
0\\
0&
0&
0&
1\\
0&
0&
{-1}&
0\\
\end{pmatrix}$$,
$$\Gamma^{4}=\begin{pmatrix}0&
0&
0&
{-1}\\
0&
0&
1&
0\\
0&
{-1}&
0&
0\\
1&
0&
0&
0\\
\end{pmatrix}$$


My question is how to generally construct the charge conjugation matrix C, so that we could have
$$C\Gamma C^{-1}=+/-\Gamma^T$$
 
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Any tips will be greatly appreciated.
:)
 
If you are looking for the charge conjugation matrix in various dimensions then check out the back of Polchinski's "String Theory Volume 2". Appendix B has everything you'll need.
 

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