Seeking Symmetry: Lie Group & Algebra Models

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the exploration of Lie groups and algebras, specifically the group represented by the matrix ##\begin{bmatrix}1&a_2&\ldots&a_n\\0&1&\ldots&0\\ \vdots & \vdots &&\vdots \\0&0&\ldots&1 \end{bmatrix}## and the Lie algebra ##\begin{bmatrix}a_1&a_2&\ldots&a_n\\0&0&\ldots&0\\ \vdots & \vdots &&\vdots \\0&0&\ldots&0 \end{bmatrix}##. The group operates under matrix multiplication, while the algebra is defined using commutators. The simplest non-Abelian Lie algebra is discussed, with a focus on its representation via differential operators and its cohomology group ##\mathfrak{sl}_{(n-1)}##. The conversation highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the implications and applications of these mathematical structures.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lie groups and Lie algebras
  • Familiarity with matrix operations and commutators
  • Knowledge of differential operators
  • Basic concepts of cohomology in algebraic topology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research representations of Lie algebras using differential operators
  • Study the properties of cohomology groups, particularly ##H^1## and ##H^2##
  • Explore applications of non-Abelian Lie algebras in physics
  • Investigate the Chevalley-Eilenberg complex and its significance
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Mathematicians, physicists, and graduate students interested in advanced algebraic structures, particularly those studying Lie groups and their applications in theoretical physics.

fresh_42
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TL;DR
Is there a physical system which uses these groups?
I wonder whether there is a physical theory / model / example whatever, that uses one of the (Lie) groups ##\begin{bmatrix}1&a_2&\ldots&a_n\\0&1&\ldots&0\\ \vdots & \vdots &&\vdots \\0&0&\ldots&1 \end{bmatrix}## or the Lie algebra ##\begin{bmatrix}a_1&a_2&\ldots&a_n\\0&0&\ldots&0\\ \vdots & \vdots &&\vdots \\0&0&\ldots&0 \end{bmatrix}##?
 
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What exactly are the group and the algebra?
 
Under what operation is this a group? It can't be matrix multiplication because there is no identity.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Under what operation is this a group? It can't be matrix multiplication because there is no identity.
Silly me. Corrected.
martinbn said:
What exactly are the group and the algebra?
Matrix multiplication and commutator, resp.

I would be happy if someone knew a representation of the Lie algebra in terms of differential operators.
 
Then the group is just the additive group ##\mathbb F^{n-1}##. The algebra should have zero in the top left, and is the trivial algebra, trivial commutator on ##\mathbb F^{n-1}##.
 
No, the algebra needs the non zero value at top left. I want it to be non nilpotent with a trivial center. It's basically the simplest non trivial Lie algebra with the multiplication table ##[X_1,X_i]=X_i## and ##[X_i.X_j]=0##. I admit that it's a bit of numerology I'm doing here. I'm chasing for an imagination of that Lie algebra. What is it good for? Does it occur anywhere? Modulo the fact that I didn't make any mistakes in my calculation, I found a cochain complex of that Lie algebra whose first cohomology group( space?) is ##\mathfrak{sl}_{(n-1)}##. This is funny by itself, but I wonder if it is just that: funny. A realization or representation via diff operators would at least help me better understand this property: Simplest non Abelian Lie algebra.
 
I assumed that the Lie algebra was supposed to be the Lie algebra of the given group. I ques that is not what you meant. In any case the group is just the additive group and is not that interesting. Of course translations appear here and there in physics.
 
It's becoming even more funnier: If we write ##\mathfrak{g}_n :=\langle X_1,\ldots\, , \,X_n\,|\,[X-1,X_k]=X_k\, , \,[X_i,X_j]=0\rangle## then I have a certain Chevalley-Eilenberg complex such that ##H^0(\mathfrak{g}_n)=H^2(\mathfrak{g}_n)=\{0\}## and ##H^1(\mathfrak{g}_n)\cong\mathfrak{sl}(n-1)\cong \mathfrak{su}(n-1)##. That's why I asked whether there is any meaning for ##\mathfrak{g}_n##. So far it's just an easy, but nasty calculation. I need a better understanding on the simple part: ##\mathfrak{g}_n##.
 

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