What is the definition of trace for n-indexed tensor in group theory?

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The discussion centers on the definition of trace for n-indexed tensors in group theory, specifically in the context of rotation groups. It is established that a 2-index tensor can be decomposed into an antisymmetric vector, a symmetric traceless tensor, and a scalar, with the trace being invariant and reducing the dimension from 6 to 5. However, for 3-index tensors, taking a trace with a 2-dimensional Kronecker delta does not yield an invariant quantity. The conversation highlights the necessity of adding a vector to achieve a scalar in the 3-index case, referencing the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients for tensor decomposition.

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  • Understanding of group theory concepts, particularly rotation groups.
  • Familiarity with tensor decomposition and properties of symmetric and antisymmetric tensors.
  • Knowledge of Clebsch-Gordan coefficients and their application in tensor analysis.
  • Basic grasp of Kronecker delta and its role in tensor operations.
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This discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, mathematicians specializing in group theory, and researchers working with tensor analysis in fields such as quantum mechanics and relativity.

dontknow
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TL;DR
Reducing Representations of tensors
I was reading zee's group theory in a nutshell.
I understand that we can decompose a 2 index tensor for rotation group into an antisymmetric vector(3), symmetric traceless tensor(5) and a scalar(trace of the tensor). Because "trace is invariant" it put a condition on the transformation of symmetric tensor elements, reduces it further from dimension from 6 to 5. But when we go for 3-index tensor and try to take a trace with 2 dimension Kronecker delta, we don't get an invariant quantity (like trace(scalar) for 2 index tensor). Can we really make a "symmetric traceless" 3 index tensor by subtracting a quantity which kind of transform like a vector?
What's the definition of trace for n indexed tensor (if possible specify reasons)?
Sorry for not posting any mathematical equation.
Thanks in advance
 
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For rotations in three dimensions one can use addition of angular momentum. Let a vector be one unit of angular momentum, ##\mathbf{1}##. The two index tensors looks like.

##\mathbf{1}\otimes \mathbf{1} = \mathbf{0} \oplus \mathbf{1} \oplus \mathbf{2}##

where ##\mathbf{1}## transforms like a vector and ##\mathbf{2}## is your trace free symmetric tensor. This all follows from the Clebach-Gordan coefficients. So, just add an additional vector to the above to get the three index tensors. Clearly the only way to get a scalar in the three index case is to add a vector to the ##\mathbf{1}## representation above. There may be more than one way to do this since the order in which one couples the indices may be important.
 

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