Isomorphism between groups and their Lie Algebra

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relationship between groups and their Lie algebras, specifically whether an isomorphism between two groups implies an isomorphism between their corresponding Lie algebras. The scope includes theoretical aspects of Lie groups and algebras, as well as mathematical reasoning related to isomorphisms.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether an isomorphism between two groups guarantees that their Lie algebras are also isomorphic, suggesting that the mapping of tangent spaces supports this idea.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the initial question, indicating a need for further explanation.
  • A participant elaborates that while a Lie group isomorphism implies an isomorphism between Lie algebras, the converse is not necessarily true, as two groups can share the same Lie algebra without being isomorphic.
  • There is a reference to the requirement of demonstrating that the mapping of Lie brackets is preserved to establish a Lie algebra homomorphism.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of group isomorphisms for Lie algebras, with some asserting that isomorphisms do not necessarily extend to Lie algebras, indicating a lack of consensus on the topic.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of the relationship between Lie groups and their algebras, noting that local diffeomorphism at the identity may lead to isomorphic Lie algebras, but this does not imply global isomorphism of the groups themselves.

raopeng
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I must apologize if this question sounds dump but if an isomorphism is established between two groups, is it true that their lie algebra is an isomorphism too? My idea is that since the tangent space is sent to tangent space also in the matrix space, both groups' lie algebra will be isomorphism also. For example we have: SU(2) × SU(2) ≈ SO(4) and su(2) × su(2) ≈ so(4).
 
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Hi raopeng,

Could you explain a little bit more?

Best regards

GoodSpirit
 
For example we have an isomorphism between two groups, and we know that Lie Algebra of a group is the commutator of matrix of its tangent space at the identity. So if there exists an isomorphism, wouldn't that entail that, since the tangent space is sent to tangent space under the mapping, their lie algebra is isomorphic too? I have this idea when trying to establish an isomorphism between su(2) x su(2) ≈ so(4) and there is an isomorphism between SU(2) x SU(2) ≈ SO(4)
 
A lie group isomorphism f between lie groups G and H will have full rank, so that the corresponding map between lie algebras df is an isomorphism. However, the converse is false, two lie groups can have the same lie algebra but be non isomorphic lie groups.
Groups that are locally diffeomorphic at the identity will have isomorphic lie algebras
 
raopeng said:
I must apologize if this question sounds dump but if an isomorphism is established between two groups, is it true that their lie algebra is an isomorphism too? My idea is that since the tangent space is sent to tangent space also in the matrix space, both groups' lie algebra will be isomorphism also. For example we have: SU(2) × SU(2) ≈ SO(4) and su(2) × su(2) ≈ so(4).

you need to show that df[X,Y] = [df(X),dfY)] which implies that the linear isomorphism of left invariant vector fields is a Lie algebra homomorphism.
 

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