Relativistic Linear Spacetime Transformations Based on Symmetry

Usually the Lorentz transformations are derived from the conservation of the spacetime interval. We propose here a way of obtaining spacetime transformations between two inertial frames directly from symmetry, the isotropy of the space and principle of relativity. The transformation is uniquely defined except for a constant e, that depends only on the process of synchronization of clocks inside each system. Relativistic velocity addition is obtained, and it is shown that the set of velocities is a bounded symmetric domain. If e=0, Galilean transformations are obtained. If e>0, the speed 1/e and a spacetime interval are conserved. By assuming constancy of the speed of light, we get e=1/c ² and the transformation between the frames becomes the Lorentz transformation. If e<0, a proper speed and a Hilbertian norm are conserved.     

The structure of space-time transformations

LetT be a one-to-one mapping ofn-dimensional space-timeM onto itself. IfT maps light cones onto light cones and dimM3, it is shown thatT is, up to a scale factor, an inhomogeneous Lorentz transformation. Thus constancy of light velocity alone implies the Lorentz group (up to dilatations). The same holds ifT andT ^–1 preserve (x–y)²>0. This generalizes Zeeman's Theorem. It is then shown that ifT maps lightlike lines onto (arbitrary) straight lines and if dimM3, thenT is linear. The last result can be applied to transformations connecting different reference frames in a relativistic or non-relativistic theory.     

The introduction of Superluminal Lorentz transformations: A revisitation

We revisit the introduction of the Superluminal Lorentz transformations which carry from bradyonic inertial frames to tachyonic inertial frames, i.e., which transform time-like objects into space-like objects, andvice versa. It has long been known that special relativity can be extended to Superluminal observers only by increasing the number of dimensions of the space-time or—which is in a sense equivalent—by releasing the reality condition (i.e., introducing also imaginary quantities). In the past we always adopted the latter procedure. Here we show the connection between that procedure and the former one. In other words, in order to clarify the physical meaning of the imaginary units entering the classical theory of tachyons, we have temporarily to call into play anauxiliary six-dimensional space-time M(3, 3); however, we are eventually able to go back to the four-dimensional Minkowski space-time. We revisit the introduction of the Superluminal Lorentz transformations also under another aspect. In fact, the generalized Lorentz transformations had been previously written down in a form suited only for the simple case of collinear boosts (e.g., they formed a group just for collinear boosts). We express now the Superluminal Lorentz transformations in a more general form, so that they constitute a group together with the ordinary—orthochronousand antichronous—Lorentz transformations, and reduce to the previous form in the case of collinear boosts. Our approach introduces either real or imaginary quantities, with exclusion of (generic) complex quantities. In the present context, a procedure—in two steps—for interpreting the imaginary quantities is put forth and discussed. In the case of a chain of generalized Lorentz transformations, such a procedure (when necessary) is to be applied only at the end of the chain. Finally, we justify why we call transformations also the Superluminal ones.     

Poincaré invariance for the master field on quantum chromodynamics

I construct allSU(N _c ) gauge fields with the property that Euclidean Poincaré transformations can be compensated by gauge transformations. Linear Abelian components are shown to be forbidden by Lorentz invariance. In a suitable gauge, the result is a set of constant potentials parametrized by Lorentz scalars. These scalars are constrained by the equation of motion atN _c =. A special solution is exhibited.Work supported in part by Schweizerischer Nationalfonds.Invited talk presented at the International Symposium Selected Topics in Quantum Field Theory and Mathematical Physics, Bechyn, Czechoslovakia, June 14–19, 1981.I thank H. Leutwyler for drawing my attention to the configuration (35), and M. Lüscher, P. Schwab, P. Sorba and J. Stern for their comments.     

Observer-Dependence of Chaos Under Lorentz and Rindler Transformations

The behavior of Lyapunov exponents and dynamical entropies h, whose positivity characterizes chaotic motion, under Lorentz and Rindler transformations is studied. Under Lorentz transformations, and h are changed, but their positivity is preserved for chaotic systems. Under Rindler transformations, and h are changed in such a way that systems, which are chaotic for an accelerated Rindler observer, can be nonchaotic for an inertial Minkowski observer. Therefore, the concept of chaos is observer-dependent.     

Kinematics of a Spacetime with an Infinite Cosmological Constant

A solution of the sourceless Einstein's equation with an infinite value for the cosmological constant is discussed by using Inönü–Wigner contractions of the de Sitter groups and spaces. When , spacetime becomes a four-dimensional cone, dual to Minkowski space by a spacetime inversion. This inversion relates the four-cone vertex to the infinity of Minkowski space, and the four-cone infinity to the Minkowski light-cone. The non-relativistic limit c is further considered, the kinematical group in this case being a modified Galilei group in which the space and time translations are replaced by the non-relativistic limits of the corresponding proper conformal transformations. This group presents the same abstract Lie algebra as the Galilei group and can be named the conformal Galilei group. The results may be of interest to the early Universe Cosmology.     

Nonlinear Transformation Group of CAR Fermion Algebra

Based on our previous work on the recursive fermion system in the Cuntz algebra, it is shown that a nonlinear transformation group of the CAR fermion algebra is induced from a U(2 ^p ) action on the Cuntz algebra ₂ ^p with an arbitrary positive integer p. In general, these nonlinear transformations are expressed in terms of finite polynomials in generators. Some Bogoliubov transformations are involved as special cases.     

Use of the Lorentz Transformations in Noninertial Reference Frames

The Lorentz transformations are used within the model of a noninertial reference frame without infinitely high accelerations arising at instantaneous jumps of an accelerated observer between different inertial reference frames. It is demonstrated that the twin paradox can be explained within this model with the help of the Lorentz transformations. Based on the model of a noninertial reference frame, the acceleration a measured in the noninertial reference frame is related to the acceleration a measured in an inertial reference frame.     

The energy-momentum spectrum in theP(ϕ)2 quantum field theory

TheP()₂ interaction with the periodic boundary conditions is considered. It is shown that the energy-momentum spectrum lies in the forward light cone. As a consequence, this result implies that theP()₂ theory in the infinite volume with the periodic boundary conditions is Lorentz invariant.     

Centrosymmetric lie algebras and boost-dilations

We define the Lie algebrac(n) of centrosymmetric matrices. It generates a noncompact and nonsemisimple local Lie group with the unusual property that expc(n) c(n). The group contains an invariant subgroup of Lorentz boost/ dilation transformations. Forn even, these form a subgroup of the conformal group of the Lorentzian metric with signature (– + – + – +).     

On the gauge variance of action functions under transformations on space-time

The problem of the gauge variance or invariance of action functions in classical mechanics is discussed from a group and path-theoretic viewpoint. By using the elementary theory of the cohomology of groups, criteria are introduced which enable one to decide when action functions gauge variant under a kinematical group are equivalent to action functions invariant under the transformations of the group. The criteria are applied to action functions gauge variant under Lorentz and Galilei transformations, where we deduce that any action function gauge variant under the Lorentz group is equivalent to an action function invariant under Lorentz transformations, whilst action functions gauge variant under the Galilei group are not necessarily equivalent to Galilei-invariant action functions. It is also shown that any action function gauge variant in a more restricted fashion which we define in the text, is necessarily equivalent to a kinetic-energy action.     

Revised Robertson's test theory of special relativity: Space-time structure and dynamics

The experimental testing of the Lorentz transformations is based on a family of sets of coordinate transformations that do not comply in general with the principle of equivalence of the inertial frames. The Lorentz and Galilean sets of transformations are the only member sets of the family that satisfy this principle. In the neighborhood of regular points of space-time, all members in the family are assumed to comply with local homogeneity of space-time and isotropy of space in at least one free-falling elevator, to be denoted as Robertson'sab initio rest frame [H. P. Robertson,Rev. Mod. Phys. 21, 378 (1949)].Without any further assumptions, it is shown that Robertson's rest frame becomes a preferred frame for all member sets of the Robertson family except for, again, Galilean and Einstein's relativities. If one now assumes the validity of Maxwell-Lorentz electrodynamics in the preferred frame, a different electrodynamics spontaneously emerges for each set of transformations. The flat space-time of relativity retains its relevance, which permits an obvious generalization, in a Robertson context, of Dirac's theory of the electron and Einstein's gravitation. The family of theories thus obtained constitutes a covering theory of relativistic physics.A technique is developed to move back and forth between Einstein's relativity and the different members of the family of theories. It permits great simplifications in the analysis of relativistic experiments with relevant Robertson's subfamilies. It is shown how to adapt the Clifford algebra version of standard physics for use with the covering theory and, in particular, with the covering Dirac theory.Part of this work was done at the Department of Physics, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322.     

Covariant,algebraic, and operator spinors

We deal with three different definitions for spinors: (I) thecovariant definition, where a particular kind ofcovariant spinor (c-spinor) is a set of complex variables defined by its transformations under a particular spin group; (II) theideal definition, where a particular kind of algebraic spinor (e-spinor) is defined as an element of a lateral ideal defined by the idempotente in an appropriated real Clifford algebra _p,q (whene is primitive we writea-spinor instead ofe-spinor); (III) the operator definition where a particular kind of operator spinor (o-spinor) is a Clifford number in an appropriate Clifford algebra _p,q determining a set of tensors by bilinear mappings. By introducing the concept of spinorial metric in the space of minimal ideals ofa-spinors, we prove that forp+q5 there exists an equivalence from the group-theoretic point of view among covariant and algebraic spinors. We also study in which senseo-spinors are equivalent toc-spinors. Our approach contain the following important physical cases: Pauli, Dirac, Majorana, dotted, and undotted two-component spinors (Weyl spinors). Moreover, the explicit representation of thesec-spinors asa-spinors permits us to obtain a new approach for the spinor structure of space-time and to represent Dirac and Maxwell equations in the Clifford and spin-Clifford bundles over space-time.     

Consequences of the inertial equivalence of energy

The usual macroscopic theory of relativistic mechanics and electromagnetism is formulated so that all assumptions but one are consistent with both special relativity and Newtonian mechanics, the distinguishing assumption being that to any energyE, whatever its form, there corresponds an inertial massE/c ² . The speed of light enters this formulation only as a consequence of the inertial equivalent of energy1/c ² . While, for1/c ² >0 the resulting theory has symmetry under the Poincaré group, including Lorentz transformations, all its physical consequences can be derived and tested in any one inertial frame. In particular, an account is given in one inertial frame for the dynamic causes of relativistic effects for simple accelerated clocks and roads.     

Is Minkowski Space-Time Compatible with Quantum Mechanics?

In quantum relativistic Hamiltonian dynamics, the time evolution of interacting particles is described by the Hamiltonian with an interaction-dependent term (potential energy). Boost operators are responsible for (Lorentz) transformations of observables between different moving inertial frames of reference. Relativistic invariance requires that interaction-dependent terms (potential boosts) are present also in the boost operators and therefore Lorentz transformations depend on the interaction acting in the system. This fact is ignored in special relativity, which postulates the universality of Lorentz transformations and their independence of interactions. Taking into account potential boosts in Lorentz transformations allows us to resolve the no-interaction paradox formulated by Currie, Jordan, and Sudarshan [Rev. Mod. Phys. 35, 350 (1963)] and to predict a number of potentially observable effects contradicting special relativity. In particular, we demonstrate that the longitudinal electric field (Coulomb potential) of a moving charge propagates instantaneously. We show that this effect as well as superluminal spreading of localized particle states is in full agreement with causality in all inertial frames of reference. Formulas relating time and position of events in interacting systems reduce to the usual Lorentz transformations only in the classical limit (0) and for weak interactions. Therefore, the concept of Minkowski space-time is just an approximation which should be avoided in rigorous theoretical constructions.     

Antiparticles from special Relativity with ortho-chronous and antichronous Lorentz transformations

Special Relativity can be based on the whole proper group of both ortho- and antichronous Lorentz transformations, and a clear physical meaning can be given also to antichronous (i.e., nonorthochronous) Lorentz transformations. From the active point of view, the latter requires existence, for any particle, of its antiparticle within a purely relativistic, classical context. From the passive point of view, they give rise to frames dual to the ordinary ones, whose properties—here briefly discussed—are linked with the fact that in relativity it is impossible to teach another, far observer (by transmitting only instructions, and no physical objects) our own conventions about the choices right/left, matter/antimatter, and positive/negative time direction. Interesting considerations follow, in particular, by considering—as it is the case—theCPT operation as an actual (even if antichronous) Lorentz transformation.Work partially supported by FAPESP and CNPq (Brazil).     

The quantum group structure of 2D gravity and minimal models I

On the unit circle, an infinite family of chiral operators is constructed, whose exchange algebra is given by the universalR-matrix of the quantum groupSL(2) _q . This establishes the precise connection between the chiral algebra of two dimensional gravity or minimal models and this quantum group. The method is to relate the monodromy properties of the operator differential equations satisfied by the generalized vertex operators with the exchange algebra ofSL(2) _q . The formulae so derived, which generalize an earlier particular case worked out by Babelon, are remarkably compact and may be entirely written in terms of q-deformed factorials and binomial coefficients.     

2+1 gravity for genus >1

In [1] we analysed the algebra of observables for the simple case of a genus 1 initial data surface ² for 2+1 De Sitter gravity. Here we extend the analysis to higher genus. We construct for genus 2 the group of automorphismsH of the homotopy group ₁ induced by the mapping class group. The groupH induces a groupD of canonical transformations on the algebra of observables which is related to the braid group for 6 threads.     

Spacetime quantization,generalized relativistic mechanics,and Mach's principle

The introduction of an elementary lengtha representing the ultimate limit for the smallest measurable distance leads to a generalization of Einstein's energy-momentum relation and of the usual Lorentz transformation. The value ofa is left unspecified, but is found to be equal tohc/2E _u, whereE _u is the total energy content of our universe. Particles of zero rest mass can only move at the velocityc of light in vacuum, while material bodies can move slower or faster than light, whena0, without violating the principle of causality. The laws of relativistic mechanics are actually generalized so that they include Mach's principle, since it is found that the universe as a whole can only be in a state of rest for any particular inertial observer.