Spinor index notation craziness

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differentiation of Grassman-valued spinors, specifically two-component left-handed spinors \(\xi\) and \(\chi\). The results of differentiating the product \(\xi^a \chi_a\) with respect to \(\xi\) yield two expressions, \(\Pi_b\) and \(\Pi^b\), which result in different signs. The conclusion drawn is that the rules for raising and lowering spinor indices on derivatives must have an opposite sign compared to those applied to the fields themselves, ensuring consistency in calculations involving Grassman variables.

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  • Understanding of Grassman variables
  • Familiarity with spinor notation and index manipulation
  • Knowledge of differentiation in the context of quantum field theory
  • Proficiency in tensor calculus
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The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, mathematicians specializing in quantum field theory, and students studying advanced topics in particle physics and spinor calculus.

TriTertButoxy
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I'm differentiating with respect to Grassman variables, and I'm getting something very inconsistent:

Suppose [itex]\xi[/itex] and [itex]\chi[/itex] are two-component, left-handed, grassman-valued spinors. Now, I take derivatives with of the product, [itex]\xi^a \chi_a[/itex], respect to [itex]\xi[/itex] two different ways, and denote their results by [itex]\Pi[/tex] :[tex]1. \hspace{5mm} \Pi_b=\frac{\partial}{\partial\xi^b}(\xi^a\chi_a)=\delta_b^{\phantom b a}\chi_a=\chi_b[/tex]<br /> <br /> [tex]2. \hspace{5mm} \Pi^b=\frac{\partial}{\partial\xi_b}(\xi^a\chi_a)=\frac{\partial}{\partial\xi_b}(\epsilon^{ac}\xi_c\chi_a)=\epsilon^{ac}\delta_c^{\phantom c b}\chi_a=\epsilon^{ab}\chi_a=-\epsilon^{ba}\chi_a=-\chi^b[/tex]<br /> <br /> I would have expected 1 and 2 to come out with the same sign (with the only difference being the position of the spinor index). Apparently, they are not coming out with the same sign. If I did the math correctly, how am I supposed to interpret this?[/itex]
 
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Well, your math is right. It must mean that, for consistency, the rule for raising and lowering a spinor index on a derivative must carry an opposite sign to the rule for rule for raising and lowering a spinor index on the field itself.
 

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