The algebra and geometry of SU(3) matrices

Mallesh, K.S. and Mukunda, N. (1997) The algebra and geometry of SU(3) matrices. Pramana-Journal of Physics, 49 (4). pp. 371-383.

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Abstract

We give an elementary treatment of the defining representation and Lie algebra of the three-dimensional unitary unimodular group SU(3). The geometrical properties of the Lie algebra, which is an eight dimensional real Linear vector space, are developed in an SU(3) covariant manner. The f and d symbols of SU(3) lead to two ways of `multiplying' two vectors to produce a third, and several useful geometric and algebraic identities are derived. The axis-angle parametrization of SU(3) is developed as a generalization of that for SU(2), and the specifically new features are brought out. Application to the dynamics of three-level systems is outlined.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	D Physical Science > Physics
Divisions:	Department of > Physics
Depositing User:	Users 23 not found.
Date Deposited:	02 Jun 2021 05:47
Last Modified:	02 Jun 2021 05:47
URI:	http://eprints.uni-mysore.ac.in/id/eprint/16606

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