2016•arXiv (Cornell University)Open access

The Lorentz Group with Dual-Translations and the Conformal Group

Richard Shurtleff

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Abstract

For those finite-matrix representations of the Lorentz group of rotations/boosts with spin $(A,B)\oplus(C,D)$ that can also represent translations, two possible translation subgroups qualify. Of these two, one must be selected, and one discarded, to represent the Poincaré group of rotations/boosts with translations in spacetime. Instead, let us discard the requirement that there be just one translation subgroup. With dual-translations, one gives up agreement with simple macroscopic observations of spacetime. Now the transformations of both possible translation subgroups combine with those of the Lorentz group. The resulting commutation relations require new transformations and generators to satisfy the linearity requirement of a Lie algebra. Special cases of spins are sought to restrict the influx of new transformations. One finds that the Dirac 4-spinor formalism is the only viable solution. The slightly expanded group it represents is the conformal group with just one new transformation, scale change. It follows as a corollary that the Dirac 4-spinor formalism is the only matrix representation of the conformal group with spin $(A,B)\oplus(C,D).$

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For those finite-matrix representations of the Lorentz group of rotations/boosts with spin $(A,B)\oplus(C,D)$ that can also represent translations, two possible translation subgroups qualify. Of these two, one must be selected, and one discarded, to represent the Poincaré group of rotations/boosts with translations in spacetime. Instead, let us discard the requirement that there be just one translation subgroup. With dual-translations, one gives up agreement with simple macroscopic observations of spacetime. Now the transformations of both possible translation subgroups combine with those of the Lorentz group. The resulting commutation relations require new transformations and generators to satisfy the linearity requirement of a Lie algebra. Special cases of spins are sought to restrict the influx of new transformations. One finds that the Dirac 4-spinor formalism is the only viable solution. The slightly expanded group it represents is the conformal group with just one new transformation, scale change. It follows as a corollary that the Dirac 4-spinor formalism is the only matrix representation of the conformal group with spin $(A,B)\oplus(C,D).$

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Available abstract

For those finite-matrix representations of the Lorentz group of rotations/boosts with spin $(A,B)\oplus(C,D)$ that can also represent translations, two possible translation subgroups qualify. Of these two, one must be selected, and one discarded, to represent the Poincaré group of rotations/boosts with translations in spacetime. Instead, let us discard the requirement that there be just one translation subgroup. With dual-translations, one gives up agreement with simple macroscopic observations of spacetime. Now the transformations of both possible translation subgroups combine with those of the Lorentz group. The resulting commutation relations require new transformations and generators to satisfy the linearity requirement of a Lie algebra. Special cases of spins are sought to restrict the influx of new transformations. One finds that the Dirac 4-spinor formalism is the only viable solution. The slightly expanded group it represents is the conformal group with just one new transformation, scale change. It follows as a corollary that the Dirac 4-spinor formalism is the only matrix representation of the conformal group with spin $(A,B)\oplus(C,D).$

Key concepts: Poincaré group, Lorentz group, Representation theory of the Lorentz group, Bispinor, Spinor, Conformal group, Lorentz transformation, Spacetime

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