The finite transformations of the group SU(3)

Abstract

Representations of finite transformations of the group SU(3) are obtained by breaking up the elements into simpler factors. Some of the factors belong to the fully reduced SU(2) subgroup and are represented by ordinary rotation matrices. Amongst the other factors there are two numerical matrices, ( 1 ± iσ 2). Representations of these are obtained by subjecting the variables of a basic state to the appropriate transformation and expanding the function so obtained in a series of the basic states. The expansion coefficients involve generalized hypergeometric series of the 4 F 3(1) type which are shown to be multiples of 6- j symbols.