Representations Of The Lorentz Group Research Articles

Realization of unitary representations of the Lorentz group on de Sitter space

This paper builds on our previous work in which we showed that, for all connected semisimple linear Lie groups G acting on a non-compactly causal symmetric space M=G/H, every irreducible unitary representation of G can be realized by boundary value maps of holomorphic extensions in distributional sections of a vector bundle over M. In the present paper we discuss this procedure for the connected Lorentz group G=SO1,d(R)e acting on de Sitter space M=dSd. We show in particular that the previously constructed nets of real subspaces satisfy the locality condition. Following ideas of Bros and Moschella from the 1990’s, we show that the matrix-valued spherical function that corresponds to our extension process extends analytically to a large domain Gℂcut in the complexified group Gℂ=SO1,d(ℂ), which for d=1 specializes to the complex cut plane ℂ∖(−∞,0]. A number of special situations is discussed specifically: (a) The case d=1, which closely corresponds to standard subspaces in Hilbert spaces, (b) the case of scalar-valued functions, which for d>2 is the case of spherical representations, for which we also describe the jump singularities of the holomorphic extensions on the cut in de Sitter space, (c) the case d=3, where we obtain rather explicit formulas for the matrix-valued spherical functions.

3d super hyperbolic geometry

Wigner's unitary representation of the Lorentz group is extended to a representation of the complex orthosymplectic Lie super group OSpC(1|2) acting on Minkowski (3,1|4)-dimensional super space essentially by Hermitean conjugation. The invariant quadratic form is x1x2−xx¯+ϕψ+ϕ¯ψ¯ in Wigner's coordinates x1,x2∈R and x∈C, where ϕ,ψ are Dirac fermions. The extended action is linear in the super space variables, but not quadratic in the odd group variables, and is described by an explicit even purely imaginary auxiliary parameter defined on the product of the Lie super group with its Lie algebra. This extension of Wigner's representation opens the door to studying geometry in super hyperbolic three-space with this metric, initiated here with foundations on super geodesics, triangles and tetrahedra, and culminating in a proof of divergence of the volume of a typical ideal tetrahedron and a discussion of the non-zero fermionic correction to the Schläfli formula.

Spin degrees of freedom incorporated in conformal group: Introduction of an intrinsic momentum operator

Considering spin degrees of freedom incorporated in the conformal generators, we introduce an intrinsic momentum operator \pi_\muπμ, which is feasible for the Bhabha wave equation. If a physical state \psi_{ph}ψph for spin s is annihilated by the \pi_\muπμ, the degree of \psi_{ph}ψph, deg \psi_{ph}ψph, should equal twice the spin degrees of freedom, 2 ( 2 s + 1)2(2s+1) for a massive particle, where the multiplicity 22 indicates the chirality. The relation deg \psi_{ph}ψph = 2(2s+1) holds in the representation R_5R5 (s,s), irreducible representation of the Lorentz group in five dimensions.

Pairwise helicity in higher dimensions

Studies of scattering amplitudes for electric and magnetic charges have identified previously overlooked multiparticle representations of the Poincaré group in four dimensions. Such representations associate nontrivial quantum numbers (known as pairwise helicities) with asymptotically separated pairs of particles, and thus cannot be described as tensor products of one-particle states. We extend this construction to sources and spacetimes of higher dimension. We first establish the dynamical origin of pairwise helicity in [Formula: see text]-form electrodynamics coupled to mutually nonlocal branes. We then interpret this pairwise helicity as a quantum number under an SO(2) pairwise little group associated with pairs of distinct branes. We further characterize the “higher” little groups that could in principle be used to induce multiparticle or multi-brane representations of the Lorentz group.

Generalized equations and their solutions in the (1/2,0)+(0,1/2) representations of the Lorentz group

We present explicit examples of generalizations in relativistic quantum mechanics. First of all, we discuss the generalized spin-1/2 equations for neutrinos. They have been obtained by means of the Gersten-Sakurai method for derivations of arbitrary-spin relativistic equations. Possible physical consequences are discussed. Next, it is easy to check that both Dirac algebraic equations Det(ˆp − m) = 0 and Det(ˆp + m) = 0 for u− and v− 4-spinors have solutions with p0 = ±Ep = ± p p2 + m2. The same is true for higher-spin equations. Meanwhile, every book considers the equality p0 = Ep for both u− and v− spinors of the (1/2, 0) ⊕ (0, 1/2) representation, thus applying the DiracFeynman-Stueckelberg procedure for elimination of the negative-energy solutions. The recent Ziino works (and, independently, the articles of several others) show that the Fock space can be doubled. We re-consider this possibility on the quantum field level for both S = 1/2 and higher spin particles. The third example is: we postulate the non-commutativity of 4-momenta, and we derive the mass splitting in the Dirac equation. The applications are discussed.

Spin 12 from gluons

The theta vacuum in QCD is obtained from the standard vacuum, after twisting by the exponential of the Chern–Simons term. However, a question remains–what is the quantum operator [Formula: see text] for winding number 1? We construct this operator [Formula: see text] in this note. The Poincaré rotation generators commute with it only if they are augmented by the spin [Formula: see text] representation of the Lorentz group, coming from large gauge transformations. This result is analogous to the well-known “spin-isopin” mixing result due to Jackiw and Rebbi [Phys. Rev. Lett. 36, 1116 (1976)], and Hasenfratz and ’t Hooft [Phys. Rev. Lett. 36, 1119 (1976)]. There is a similar result in fuzzy physics literature of Balachandran, Kurkcuoglu and Vaidya [Lectures on Fuzzy and Fuzzy Susy Physics (World Scientific Publishing Company, 2007)]. This shows that states can drastically affect representations of observables. This fact is further shown by charged states dressed by infrared clouds. Following Mund, Rehren and Schroer [arXiv:hep-th/2109.10342], we find that Lorentz invariance is spontaneously broken in these sectors. This result has been extended earlier to QCD (Balachandran, Nair, Pinzul, Reyes-Lega and Vaidya [arXiv:2112.08631 [hep-th]], reference given in the Final Remarks) where even the global QCD group is shown to be broken. It is argued that the escort fields of Mund, Rehren and Schroer [arXiv:hep-th/2109.10342] are the Higgs fields for Lorentz and color breaking. They are string-localized fields where the strings live in a union of de Sitter spaces. Their oscillations and those of the infrared cloud can generate the associated Goldstone modes.

Logarithmic supertranslations and supertranslation-invariant Lorentz charges

We extend the BMS(4) group by adding logarithmic supertranslations. This is done by relaxing the boundary conditions on the metric and its conjugate momentum at spatial infinity in order to allow logarithmic terms of carefully designed form in the asymptotic expansion, while still preserving finiteness of the action. Standard theorems of the Hamiltonian formalism are used to derive the (finite) generators of the logarithmic supertranslations. As the ordinary supertranslations, these depend on a function of the angles. Ordinary and logarithmic supertranslations are then shown to form an abelian subalgebra with non-vanishing central extension. Because of this central term, one can make nonlinear redefinitions of the generators of the algebra so that the pure supertranslations (ℓ > 1 in a spherical harmonic expansion) and the logarithmic supertranslations have vanishing brackets with all the Poincaré generators, and, in particular, transform in the trivial representation of the Lorentz group. The symmetry algebra is then the direct sum of the Poincaré algebra and the infinite-dimensional abelian algebra formed by the pure supertranslations and the logarithmic supertranslations (with central extension). The pure supertranslations are thus completely decoupled from the standard Poincaré algebra in the asymptotic symmetry algebra. This implies in particular that one can provide a definition of the angular momentum which is manifestly free from supertranslation ambiguities. An intermediate redefinition providing a partial decoupling of the pure and logarithmic supertranslations is also given.

A New Route to Symmetries through the Extended Dirac Equation

A new route to the Dirac equation and its symmetries is outlined on the basis of the four-vector representation of the Lorentz group (LG). This way permits one to linearize the first Casimir operator of the LG in terms of the energy–momentum four-vector and enables one to derive an extended Dirac equation that naturally reveals the SU(2) symmetry in connection with an isospin associated with the LG. The procedure gives a spin-one-half fermion doublet, which we interpret as the electron and neutrino or the up-and-down quark doublet. Similarly, the second Casimir operator can be linearized by invoking an abstract isospin that is not connected with the LG, but with the two basic empirical fermion types. Application of the spinor helicity formalism yields two independent singlet and triplet fermion states—which we interpret as being related to U(1) and the lepton, respectively—to the SU(3) symmetry group of the three colors of the quarks. The way in which we obtain these results indicates the genuine yet very different physical natures of these basic symmetries. This new notion does not need the idea of grand unification. However, by still combining them in the product group SU(4)=SU(3)⊗U(1) and then further combining all groups into SU(2)⊗SU(4), one may get a symmetry scheme that perhaps supports the notion of unification by the group SU(8). We also argue that the simpler SO(4) group—instead of SU(4)—seems more appropriate for achieving unification.

The 𝒫(𝜑)₂ Model on de Sitter Space

In 1975 Figari, Høegh-Krohn and Nappi constructed theP(φ)2{\mathscr P}(\varphi )_2model on the de Sitter space. Here we complement their work with new results, which connect this model to various areas of mathematics. In particular, i.) we discuss the causal structure of de Sitter space and the induces representations of the Lorentz group. We show that the UIRs ofSO0(1,2)SO_0(1,2)for both the principal and the complementary series can be formulated on Hilbert spaces whose functions are supported on a Cauchy surface. We describe the free classical dynamical system in both its covariant and canonical form, and present the associated quantum one-particle KMS structures in the sense of Kay (1985). Furthermore, we discuss the localisation properties of one-particle wave functions and how these properties are inherited by the algebras of local observables.ii.) we describe the relations between the modular objects (in the sense of Tomita-Takesaki theory) associated to wedge algebras and the representations of the Lorentz group. We connect the representations of SO(1,2) to unitary representations ofSO(3)SO(3)on the Euclidean sphere, and discuss how theP(φ)2{\mathscr P}(\varphi )_2interaction can be represented by a rotation invariant vector in the Euclidean Fock space. We present a novel Osterwalder-Schrader reconstruction theorem, which shows that physicalinfrared problemsare absent on de Sitter space. As shown in Figari, Høegh-Krohn, and Nappi (1975), the ultraviolet problems are resolved just like on flat Minkowski space. We state the Haag–Kastler axioms for theP(φ)2{\mathscr P}(\varphi )_2model and we explain how thegeneratorsof the boosts and the rotations for the interacting quantum field theory arise from thestress-energy tensor. Finally, we show that the interacting quantum fields satisfy theequations of motionin their covariant form. In summary, we argue that the de SitterP(φ)2{\mathscr P}(\varphi )_2model is the simplest and most explicit relativistic quantum field theory, which satisfies basic expectations, like covariance, particle creation, stability and finite speed of propagation.

On isospin and flavour of leptons and quarks

Isospin emerges naturally from the Lorentz transformation of spinors, if they are based on the vector representation of the Lorentz group. The resulting extended Dirac equation for a massive spin-one-half fermion has two new additional degrees of freedom associated with the up and down components of isospin. This doublet is interpreted as describing the electron and neutrino. It is adjoined with the SU(2) symmetry group. The extended Dirac equation appears in six versions which are connected by similarity transformations. It is argued that this trait may explain the occurrence of the three families of the leptons and suggested that flavour arises genuinely from the algebraic properties of the extended Dirac equation. Its solutions are discussed and the physical role of isospin is elucidated. Isospin symmetry can be gauged, which leads to a weak-interaction-type theory and is valid for finite initial mass. Breaking the isospin SU(2) symmetry yields the correct electric charges of the particles by means of the electroweak unification procedures of the standard model.

Spin-1/2 “bosons” with mass dimension 3/2 and fermions with mass dimension 1 cannot represent physical particle states

We delve into the first principles of quantum field theory to prove that the so-called spin-1/2 “bosons” and the fermions with mass dimension 1, including ELKO, cannot represent physical particle states with spin 1/2. Specifically, we first demonstrate that both aforementioned fields are not invariant under rotational symmetry, which implies that the particles created for these fields are not eigenstates of the spin operator in the (frac{1}{2},0)oplus (0,frac{1}{2}) representation of the Lorentz group, nor is it possible to construct a Hamiltonian density scalar under the rotational group from them. Furthermore, following Weinberg’s approach to local causal fields, we prove that regardless of any discrete symmetry or adjoint structure, the relativistic fields in the (frac{1}{2}, 0) oplus (0,frac{1}{2}) representation satisfy the Fermi-Dirac statistics in complete agreement with the well-established spin-statistics theorem and experimental results.

Generalized symmetries and Noether’s theorem in QFT

We show that generalized symmetries cannot be charged under a continuous global symmetry having a Noether current. Further, only non-compact generalized symmetries can be charged under a continuous global symmetry. These results follow from a finer classification of twist operators, which naturally extends to finite group global symmetries. They unravel topological obstructions to the strong version of Noether’s theorem in QFT, even if under general conditions a global symmetry can be implemented locally by twist operators (weak version). We use these results to rederive Weinberg-Witten’s theorem within local QFT, generalizing it to massless particles in arbitrary dimensions and representations of the Lorentz group. Several examples with local twists but without Noether currents are described. We end up discussing the conditions for the strong version to hold, dynamical aspects of QFT’s with non-compact generalized symmetries, scale vs conformal invariance in QFT, connections with the Coleman-Mandula theorem and aspects of global symmetries in quantum gravity.

UV-complete gravity amplitudes and the triple product

We construct an infinite class of new ultraviolet-complete four-graviton scattering amplitudes that reduce to Einstein gravity at low energies, vanish at high energies, are meromorphic, and exhibit a triple-product structure ${\cal A}(s){\cal A}(t){\cal A}(u)$. The spectrum invariantly exhibits accumulation points in the form of infinite towers of states on each mass pole, whose residue can be positively expanded on tree-level exchanges of irreducible representations of the Lorentz group.

Weak Gravitation in the 4+1 Formalism

The 4+1 formalism in general relativity (GR) prescribes field equations for the spacetime metric γμνx,τ which is local in the spacetime coordinates x and evolves according to an external “worldtime” τ. This formalism extends to GR the Stueckelberg Horwitz Piron (SHP) framework, developed to address the various issues known as the problem of time as they appear in electrodynamics. SHP field theories exhibit a formal 5D symmetry on (x,τ) that is strategically broken to 4+1 representations of the Lorentz group, resulting in a manifestly covariant canonical formalism describing the τ-evolution of spacetime structures as an initial value problem. Einstein equations for γμνx,τ are found by constructing a 5D pseudo-manifold (combining 4D geometry and τ-dynamics) and performing the natural foliation under broken 5D symmetry. This paper discusses weak gravitation in the 4+1 formalism, demonstrating the natural decomposition of the field equations into first-order evolution equations for the unconstrained 4D metric, and the propagation of constraints associated with the Bianchi identity.

Generalized equations and their solutions in the (S, 0) + (0, S) representations of the Lorentz group

I present explicit examples of generalizations in relativistic quantum mechanics. First of all, I discuss the generalized spin-1/2 equations for neutrinos. They have been obtained by means of the Gersten-Sakurai method for derivations of arbitrary-spin relativistic equations. Possible physical consequences are discussed. Next, it is easy to check that both Dirac algebraic equation Det( – m) = 0 and Det( + m) = 0 for u – and υ – 4-spinors have solutions with . The same is true for higher-spin equations. Meanwhile, every book considers the equality p0 = Ep for both u – and υ – spinors of the (1/2, 0) ⊕ (0, 1/2) representation, thus applying the Dirac-Feynman-Stueckelberg procedure for elimination of the negative-energy solutions. The recent Ziino works (and, independently, the articles of several others) show that the Fock space can be doubled. We re-consider this possibility on the quantum field level for both S = 1/2 and higher spin particles. The third example is: we postulate the non-commutativity of 4-momenta, and we derive the mass splitting in the Dirac equation. The applications are discussed.

Continuous wavelet frames on the sphere: The group-theoretic approach revisited

In [3] , Antoine and Vandergheynst propose a group-theoretic approach to continuous wavelet frames on the sphere. The frame is constructed from a single so-called admissible function by applying the unitary operators associated to a representation of the Lorentz group, which is square-integrable modulo the nilpotent factor of the Iwasawa decomposition. We prove necessary and sufficient conditions for functions on the sphere, which ensure that the corresponding system is a frame. We strengthen a similar result in [3] by providing a complete and detailed proof.

Conformal conserved currents in embedding space

We study conformal conserved currents in arbitrary irreducible representations of the Lorentz group using the embedding space formalism. With the help of the operator product expansion, we first show that conservation conditions can be fully investigated by considering only two- and three-point correlation functions. We then find an explicitly conformally-covariant differential operator in embedding space that implements conservation based on the standard position space operator product expansion differential operator ∂μ, although the latter does not uplift to embedding space covariantly. The differential operator in embedding space that imposes conservation is the same differential operator mathcal{D} ijA used in the operator product expansion in embedding space. We provide several examples including conserved currents in irreducible representations that are not symmetric and traceless. With an eye on four-point conformal bootstrap equations for four conserved vector currents 〈JJJJ〉 and four energy-momentum tensors 〈TTTT〉, we mostly focus on conservation conditions for leftlangle JJmathcal{O}rightrangle and leftlangle TTmathcal{O}rightrangle . Finally, we reproduce and extend the consequences of conformal Ward identities at coincident points by determining three-point coefficients in terms of charges.

Remarks on Mathematical Structure of the Staruszkiewicz Theory

The purpose of this note is threefold: (i) to recall (with some points made more explicit) the mathematical Weyl algebra model formulation, given before, of the Staruszkiewicz theory of quantum Coulomb field; (ii) to add some new elements to the discussion of the representation of the Lorentz group within this model; (iii) to comment on some statements on the structure of the theory which appeared recently.

Exploring the geometry of supersymmetric double field theory

The geometry of mathcal{N} = 1 supersymmetric double field theory is revisited in superspace. In order to maintain the constraints on the torsion tensor, the local tangent space group of O(D) × O(D) must be expanded to include a tower of higher dimension generators. These include a generator in the irreducible hook representation of the Lorentz group, which gauges the shift symmetry (or ambiguity) of the spin connection. This gauging is possible even in the purely bosonic theory, where it leads to a Lorentz curvature whose only non-vanishing pieces are the physical ones: the generalized Einstein tensor and the generalized scalar curvature. A relation to the super-Maxwell∞ algebra is proposed. The superspace Bianchi identities are solved up through dimension two, and the component supersymmetry transformations and equations of motion are explicitly (re)derived.

Gravitational quantum states as finite representations of the Lorentz group

A manifestly Lorentz-covariant formulation of loop quantum gravity (LQG) is given in terms of finite-dimensional representations of the Lorentz group. The formulation accounts for discrete symmetries, such as parity and time-reversal, and it establishes a link with Wigner classification of particles. The resulting quantum model can be seen as LQG-like with the internal SU(2) ⊗ SU(2) group and it is free of the Immirzi parameter, while the scalar constraint is just the Euclidean part.