What do we mean by 'Equivalent Projective representation ?

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Equivalent projective representations of a group G are defined through the existence of a unitary matrix U such that URU^(-1) = R'. Specifically, for projective representations, two representations ρ and ρ' are equivalent if there exists U in O_n(ℝ)/Z satisfying ρ(g) = U·ρ'(g)·U^(-1) for all g in G. The SO(3) group has only two inequivalent projective representations, highlighting their significance in quantum mechanics, where projective representations reflect symmetry. The book "Geometry of Quantum Theory" by Varadarajan is recommended for further exploration, despite its complexity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of unitary matrices and their properties
  • Familiarity with group theory concepts, particularly representations
  • Knowledge of projective general linear groups, specifically PGL_n(ℝ)
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics and symmetry
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of unitary matrices in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the structure and applications of projective representations
  • Learn about the significance of SO(3) in quantum mechanics and its representations
  • Read "Geometry of Quantum Theory" by Varadarajan for an in-depth understanding
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Mathematicians, physicists, and students interested in quantum mechanics and group theory, particularly those focusing on projective representations and their applications in symmetry analysis.

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What do we mean by 'Equivalent Projective representation"?

I know that we say two representations R and R' of a group G is equivalent if there exists a unitary matrix U such that URU^(-1)=R'.
But what do we mean by equivalent projective rerpesentations?
I've heard of the theorem that the SO(3) group has only 2 inequivalent projective representations. But what does that exactly mean?
I am very interested in projective representation because it's projective representation rather than ordinary representation that represents symmetry in Quantum Mechanics since the vector A and exp(id)A represent the same physical state.
So does anyone know if there are some books that can serve as an introduction to projective representations?
 
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Since you haven't received any replies, I will mention that "Geometry of quantum theory" by Varadarajan covers projective representations and their relevance to quantum mechanics. I hesitate to recommend it because I find it very hard to read, but I don't know a better option.
 


I've never done anything about projective representations before, so this post is just a guess. But it would make sense to define first

Z=\{cI_n~\vert~c\in \mathbb{R}\}

Then we define a projective representation as a group homomorphism

\rho: G\rightarrow GL_n(\mathbb{R})/Z

This last group is often called PGL_n(\mathbb{R}), or the projective general linear group.

Given, \rho,\rho^\prime projective representations, it would make sense to define them equivalent if there exist U\in O_n(\mathbb{R})/Z such that

\rho(g)=U\cdot \rho^\prime(g)\cdot U^{-1}

for all g\in G.

The complex case is similar.
 

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