What are the commutation relations for the electroweak gauge bosons?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the commutation relations of electroweak gauge bosons, specifically involving the Pauli matrices denoted as ## \bar{\tau} ##. The key equations discussed are ## [ \tau_i ,\tau_k] = 2 i \epsilon_{ikl} \tau_l ## and ## \{ \tau_i ,\tau_k\} = 2 \delta_{ik} ##. The participant Safinaz attempts to prove the equation ## \bar{ \tau} \bar{A_\alpha} . \bar{ \tau} \bar{A^\alpha} = ( A_\alpha^1 + i A_\alpha^2) ( A^{\alpha, 1} - i A^{\alpha, 2} ) + A_\alpha^3 A^ {\alpha,3} ## but struggles with the next steps, indicating potential confusion regarding matrix dimensions and simplifications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and gauge theories
  • Familiarity with Pauli matrices and their properties
  • Knowledge of commutation and anticommutation relations
  • Basic proficiency in tensor notation and matrix operations
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  • Study the properties of Pauli matrices in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the role of gauge bosons in electroweak theory
  • Explore the implications of commutation relations in quantum field theory
  • Investigate the mathematical techniques for simplifying tensor equations
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Physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum field theory, students studying electroweak interactions, and researchers exploring gauge symmetries and their mathematical foundations.

Safinaz
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Hi all,

I have the following exercise about the The electroweak gauge bosons commutations relations:

Homework Statement



If ## [ \tau_i ,\tau_k] = 2 i \epsilon_{ikl} \tau_l ## and
## \{ \tau_i ,\tau_k\} = 2 \delta_{ik} ##

where ## \bar{\tau} ## are the Pauli matrices,

Then prove that:
(1) ## \bar{ \tau} \bar{A_\alpha} . \bar{ \tau} \bar{A^\alpha} = ( A_\alpha^1 + i A_\alpha^2) ( A^{\alpha, 1} - i A^{\alpha, 2} ) + A_\alpha^3 A^ {\alpha,3} ##



The Attempt at a Solution



I said that
## \tau_i \tau_k = \delta_{ik} + i \epsilon_{ikl} \tau_l ##, then

## \bar{ \tau} \bar{A_\alpha} . \bar{ \tau} \bar{A^\alpha} = \bar{A_\alpha} \bar{A^\alpha} + i \epsilon_{ikl} \tau_l \bar{A_\alpha} \bar{A^\alpha} ##

But I can't complete for the next step to prove the enquiry ..

Bests,
Safinaz
 
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That notation is confusing. The left side of equation (1) seems to be a 2x2 matrix while the right side isn't. That only makes sense if we assume there is implicit unit matrix on the right side. But the equation still doesn't seem right. Doesn't it simplify to Aμ.Aμ ?
 

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