Left and right invariant metric on SU(2)

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster seeks assistance in writing a left-invariant and right-invariant metric on the group SU(2). The context involves concepts from differential geometry and group theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster discusses a specific parametrization and mentions the use of left invariant vector fields derived from the Pauli matrices. They inquire about the correctness of their approach and the nature of the metric coefficients.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging with the original poster's attempts to clarify their understanding of left-invariant metrics. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to post work first and the appropriateness of the forum for this topic. The discussion is ongoing, with multiple aspects being explored.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about the suitability of the forum for their mathematical inquiry and acknowledges potential issues with their parametrization.

popbatman
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Homework Statement



I nedd some help to write a left-invariant and right invariant metric on SU(2)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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What parametrization are you using ? And write the definitions you're working with. As per the guidelines of this particular forum, you're asked to post your work first and ask for advice/help later.

And this looks like pure mathematics subject, why did you place it here ?
 
I'm using the parametrization:

\begin{array}{cc}
x_{0} - ix_{3} & x_{1}+ix_{2} \\
-x_{1}+iy_{2} & y_{0}+iy_{3} \end{array}

Now I know that left invariant vector fields are obtained starting from vector tanget to the identity of the group (pauli matrices).
by duality i can find also a basis for the left invariant forms.
a) Is this right?

Once I've found the left invariant forms θ^{i}

I can define the metric g=g_{\mu\nu}θ^{\mu}\otimesθ^{\nu}

b)Is this the left invariant metric I'm looking for? Are the metric coefficient totally arbitrary, a part the constraints to make the metric non degenerate and strictly positive (if i want a riemannian metric)?

I'm sorry if this is not the the right place for my post! Thank you for helping!
 
I'm sorry, obvyously in the matrix is x everywhere!
 

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