Representation of lie algebra of SL(2,C)

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SUMMARY

The Lie algebra \(\mathfrak{sl}(2,\mathbb{C})\) consists of all 2x2 complex traceless matrices, forming a 6-dimensional vector space over the real numbers and a 3-dimensional space over the complex numbers. The representations of this algebra vary based on the underlying field; when considered over complex numbers, they correspond to the complexification of \(\mathfrak{su}(2)\) and are indexed by a single integer or half-integer. Conversely, when treated as a real vector space, the representations are indexed by pairs of (half)integer numbers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lie algebras and their properties
  • Familiarity with complex and real vector spaces
  • Knowledge of the special unitary group \(\mathfrak{su}(2)\)
  • Basic linear algebra, particularly matrix theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the complexification of Lie algebras, focusing on \(\mathfrak{su}(2)\)
  • Study the representation theory of Lie algebras, particularly for \(\mathfrak{sl}(2,\mathbb{C})\)
  • Investigate the relationship between representations indexed by integers and half-integers
  • Learn about applications of Lie algebras in physics, especially in quantum mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and students studying representation theory, particularly those interested in the applications of Lie algebras in theoretical physics and quantum mechanics.

paweld
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Lie algebra [tex]\mathfrak{sl}(2,\mathbb{C})[/tex] consists of all 2x2 complex
traceless matricies. The space of these matricies is 6-dimensional vector space
over real numbers field but is 3-dimensional space over complex numbers field.
Number of different representations of this algebra depend on how we look at
this algebra. If we assume that it's over complex number then it's just complexification
of [tex]\mathfrak{su}(2)[/tex] (all representation might be indexed by one integer or
halfinteger number). However if we treat it as space over real numbers then its
representation are index by pair of (half)integer numbers.
 
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