- #1
elec-tric
- 5
- 0
i have read about wigner rotation but i think i can't understand it well , i want to know the physical meaning of it .
Understanding the Physical Meaning of Wigner Rotation
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the physical meaning of Wigner rotation, exploring its geometric interpretation and relevance in the context of velocities and momenta. Participants seek to clarify their understanding of this concept, which is situated within the realm of quantum field theory (QFT).
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses difficulty in understanding the physical meaning of Wigner rotation.
- Another participant suggests that Wigner rotation can be understood geometrically, comparing it to moving along the surface of a sphere and noting that the path taken affects the final position.
- A third participant mentions that most QFT texts consider Wigner rotation to be elementary and recommends specific resources, including a book by Weinberg and a Wikipedia page on parallel transport.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the understanding of Wigner rotation, with some seeking clarification while others provide explanations and resources.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights varying levels of familiarity with Wigner rotation among participants, and the resources suggested may depend on individual backgrounds in quantum field theory.
- #2
elec-tric
- 5
- 0
no body knows about wigner rotation ?
- #3
tiny-tim
Science Advisor
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Welcome to PF!
Hi elec-tric! Welcome to PF!
By "physical meaning", do you mean a geometric one?
If you move something along the surface of a sphere without rotating it, first north then east, its position is at a slight angle to the position it would have if you moved it along the hypotenuse.
Wigner rotation is the same thing in the "space of velocities" (or "space of momentums") … the space is curved, so parallel transport between two "points" depends on the path taken.
elec-tric said:
Hi elec-tric! Welcome to PF!
By "physical meaning", do you mean a geometric one?
If you move something along the surface of a sphere without rotating it, first north then east, its position is at a slight angle to the position it would have if you moved it along the hypotenuse.
Wigner rotation is the same thing in the "space of velocities" (or "space of momentums") … the space is curved, so parallel transport between two "points" depends on the path taken.
- #4
elec-tric
- 5
- 0
thanx tiny-tim :D , but if you have a site or even a book or a paper about wigner rotation , please send it :D
- #5
tiny-tim
Science Advisor
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hmm … most books on QFT regard it as fairly elementary …
I happen to like Weinberg's book (available online at http://books.google.com/books?id=h9...another book on quantum field theory"&f=false), but that porbably won't help much.
Maybe http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_transport, and the links from it, will help?
I happen to like Weinberg's book (available online at http://books.google.com/books?id=h9...another book on quantum field theory"&f=false), but that porbably won't help much.
Maybe http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_transport, and the links from it, will help?
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