Master Analytic Representations and unified representation theory of certain orthogonal and pseudo-orthogonal groups

The representation theory of the groupsSO(5),SO(4, 1),SO(6) andSO(5, 1) is studied using the method of Master Analytic Representations (MAR). It is shown that a single analytic expression for the matrix elements of the generators ofSO(n+1) andSO(n, 1) in anSO(n) basis yields all the unitary representations (forn=4,5); and that the compact and non-compact groups have essentially the same analytic representation. Once the MAR of a group is worked out, the search for the unitary irreducible representations is reduced to a purely arithmetic operation. The utmost care has been exercised to conduct the discussions at an elementary level: knowledge of simple angular momentum theory is the only prerequisite.Work supported in part by the National Science Foundation.Work supported in part by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.