The stabilized Poincare-Heisenberg algebra: A Clifford algebra viewpoint

Type of content
Journal Article
Thesis discipline
Degree name
Publisher
University of Canterbury. Mathematics and Statistics
University of Canterbury. Physics and Astronomy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
Date
2007
Authors
Gresnigt, N.G.
Renaud, P.F.
Butler, P.H.
Abstract

The stabilized Poincare-Heisenberg algebra (SPHA) is the Lie algebra of quantum relativistic kinematics generated by fifteen generators. It is obtained from imposing stability conditions after attempting to combine the Lie algebras of quantum mechanics and relativity which by themselves are stable, however not when combined. In this paper we show how the sixteen dimensional Clifford algebra Cℓ(1, 3) can be used to generate the SPHA. The Clifford algebra path to the SPHA avoids the traditional stability considerations, relying instead on the fact that Cℓ(1, 3) is a semi-simple algebra and therefore stable. It is therefore conceptually easier and more straightforward to work with a Clifford algebra. The Clifford algebra path suggests the next evolutionary step toward a theory of physics at the interface of GR and QM might be to depart from working in space-time and instead to work in space-time-momentum.

Description
Citation
Gresnigt, N.G., Renaud, P.F., Butler, P.H. (2007) The stabilized Poincare-Heisenberg algebra: A Clifford algebra viewpoint. International Journal of Modern Physics D: Gravitation; Astrophysics and Cosmology, 16(9), pp. 1515-1529.
Keywords
Clifford algebra, Poincare algebra, algebraic stability
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Field of Research::01 - Mathematical Sciences::0105 - Mathematical Physics
Fields of Research::49 - Mathematical sciences::4904 - Pure mathematics::490401 - Algebra and number theory
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