Spinors & Space-Time: What Math Prereqs Are Needed?

[QuArK21343]

Are spinors needed in modern theoretical physics as opposed to tensors? I have come across Penrose's book "Spinors and space-time". Does anybody know what mathematical prerequisites are needed to actually understand it? (at least volume 1) Can I manage to go through it with a good knowledge of real analysis and linear algebra and a very basic understanding of topology?

 

[dextercioby]

Penrose and Rindler is to me the ultimate level. You should start with something light, like a group theory book like Wu Ki Tung (1984), or Cromwell (vol.2) which have good chapters on spinorial representations of the restricted Lorentz group.

 

[George Jones]

Chapter 3 from The Geometry of Minkowski Spacetime: An Introduction to the Mathematics of the Special Theory of Relativity is a nice, readable introduction to spinors. Actually, the entire book is quite nice.

 

[dextercioby]

George is speaking about

The Geometry of Minkowski Spacetime: An Introduction to the Mathematics of the Special Theory of Relativity (Applied Mathematical Sciences) by Gregory L. Naber.

 

[QuArK21343]

Ok, I have had a look at The Geometry of Minkowski Spacetime and seems really good. Thanks again for your advice!