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Conformal Family
In theoretical physics, a conformal family is an irreducible representation of the Virasoro algebra. In most cases, it is uniquely determined by its primary field or the highest weight vector. The family contains all of its descendant fields. References See also *Conformal field theory A conformal field theory (CFT) is a quantum field theory that is invariant under conformal transformations. In two dimensions, there is an infinite-dimensional algebra of local conformal transformations, and conformal field theories can sometimes ... Conformal field theory {{quantum-stub ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Theoretical Physics
Theoretical physics is a branch of physics that employs mathematical models and abstractions of physical objects and systems to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena. This is in contrast to experimental physics, which uses experimental tools to probe these phenomena. The advancement of science generally depends on the interplay between experimental studies and theory. In some cases, theoretical physics adheres to standards of mathematical rigour while giving little weight to experiments and observations.There is some debate as to whether or not theoretical physics uses mathematics to build intuition and illustrativeness to extract physical insight (especially when normal experience fails), rather than as a tool in formalizing theories. This links to the question of it using mathematics in a less formally rigorous, and more intuitive or heuristic way than, say, mathematical physics. For example, while developing special relativity, Albert Einstein was concerned wit ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Irreducible Representation
In mathematics, specifically in the representation theory of groups and algebras, an irreducible representation (\rho, V) or irrep of an algebraic structure A is a nonzero representation that has no proper nontrivial subrepresentation (\rho, _W,W), with W \subset V closed under the action of \. Every finite-dimensional unitary representation on a Hilbert space V is the direct sum of irreducible representations. Irreducible representations are always indecomposable (i.e. cannot be decomposed further into a direct sum of representations), but converse may not hold, e.g. the two-dimensional representation of the real numbers acting by upper triangular unipotent matrices is indecomposable but reducible. History Group representation theory was generalized by Richard Brauer from the 1940s to give modular representation theory, in which the matrix operators act on a vector space over a field K of arbitrary characteristic, rather than a vector space over the field of real numbers or o ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Virasoro Algebra
In mathematics, the Virasoro algebra (named after the physicist Miguel Ángel Virasoro) is a complex Lie algebra and the unique central extension of the Witt algebra. It is widely used in two-dimensional conformal field theory and in string theory. Definition The Virasoro algebra is spanned by generators for and the central charge . These generators satisfy ,L_n0 and The factor of 1/12 is merely a matter of convention. For a derivation of the algebra as the unique central extension of the Witt algebra, see derivation of the Virasoro algebra. The Virasoro algebra has a presentation in terms of two generators (e.g. 3 and −2) and six relations. Representation theory Highest weight representations A highest weight representation of the Virasoro algebra is a representation generated by a primary state: a vector v such that : L_ v = 0, \quad L_0 v = hv, where the number is called the conformal dimension or conformal weight of v.P. Di Francesco, P. Mathieu, and D. S ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Primary Field
In theoretical physics, a primary field, also called a primary operator, or simply a primary, is a local operator in a conformal field theory which is annihilated by the part of the conformal algebra consisting of the lowering generators. From the representation theory point of view, a primary is the lowest dimension operator in a given representation of the conformal algebra. All other operators in a representation are called ''descendants''; they can be obtained by acting on the primary with the raising generators. History of the concept Primary fields in a ''D''-dimensional conformal field theory were introduced in 1969 by Mack and Salam where they were called ''interpolating fields''. They were then studied by Ferrara, Gatto, and Grillo who called them ''irreducible conformal tensors'', and by Mack who called them ''lowest weights''. Polyakov used an equivalent definition as fields which cannot be represented as derivatives of other fields. The modern terms ''primary fields ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Weight (representation Theory)
In the mathematical field of representation theory, a weight of an algebra ''A'' over a field F is an algebra homomorphism from ''A'' to F, or equivalently, a one-dimensional representation of ''A'' over F. It is the algebra analogue of a multiplicative character of a group. The importance of the concept, however, stems from its application to representations of Lie algebras and hence also to representations of algebraic and Lie groups. In this context, a weight of a representation is a generalization of the notion of an eigenvalue, and the corresponding eigenspace is called a weight space. Motivation and general concept Given a set ''S'' of n\times n matrices over the same field, each of which is diagonalizable, and any two of which commute, it is always possible to simultaneously diagonalize all of the elements of ''S''.In fact, given a set of commuting matrices over an algebraically closed field, they are simultaneously triangularizable, without needing to assume that they are ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Conformal Field Theory
A conformal field theory (CFT) is a quantum field theory that is invariant under conformal transformations. In two dimensions, there is an infinite-dimensional algebra of local conformal transformations, and conformal field theories can sometimes be exactly solved or classified. Conformal field theory has important applications to condensed matter physics, statistical mechanics, quantum statistical mechanics, and string theory. Statistical and condensed matter systems are indeed often conformally invariant at their thermodynamic or quantum critical points. Scale invariance vs conformal invariance In quantum field theory, scale invariance is a common and natural symmetry, because any fixed point of the renormalization group is by definition scale invariant. Conformal symmetry is stronger than scale invariance, and one needs additional assumptions to argue that it should appear in nature. The basic idea behind its plausibility is that ''local'' scale invariant theories have their ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
