Spin and Division Algebras

Add to your list(s) Download to your calendar using vCal

• Dr Jonathan Evans (DAMTP)
• Friday 27 January 2012, 19:00-20:00
• Centre for Mathematical Sciences (CMS).

If you have a question about this talk, please contact .

(Free for members, £2 for non-members)

The concept of a division algebra generalizes the real and complex numbers by requiring a multiplication with suitable properties to be defined on a normed vector space. There are actually just two new possibilities in higher dimensions, known as the quaternions (dimension 4) and octonions (dimension 8). Spin, on the other hand, refers to a particular way of realizing rotational transformations in 3 or higher dimensions. The distinctive mathematical properties which emerge are also of great importance in physics, since the description of many elementary particles (quarks, electrons, neutrinos) relies on spin representations. There are some fascinating inter-relationships between spin and division algebras, leading ultimately to concepts such as triality, supersymmetry and exceptional Lie groups. My aim in this talk will be to give an overview of some of these ideas.

This talk is part of the The Archimedeans (CU Mathematical Society) series.

This talk is included in these lists:

• Centre for Mathematical Sciences (CMS)
• Guy Emerson's list
• The Archimedeans (CU Mathematical Society)
• bld31
• ob366-ai4er

Note that ex-directory lists are not shown.