Geometrical interpretation of In�n�-Wigner contractions

Abstract

The Inonu-Wigner contractions which interrelate the Lie algebras of the isometry groups of metric spaces are discussed with reference to deformations of the absolutes of the spaces. A general formula is derived for the Lie algebra commutation relations of the isometry group for anyN-dimensional metric space. These ideas are illustrated by a discussion of important particular cases, which interrelate the four-dimensional de Sitter, Poincare, and Galilean groups.