Lie Groups, Lie Algebras, And Representations: An Elementary Introduction

This textbook treats Lie groups, Lie algebras and their representations in an elementary but fully rigorous fashion requiring minimal prerequisites. In particular, the theory of matrix Lie groups and their Lie algebras is developed using only linear algebra, and more motivation and intuition for proofs is provided than in most classic texts on the subject.

This text systematically presents the basics of quantum mechanics, emphasizing the role of Lie groups, Lie algebras, and their unitary representations. The mathematical structure of the subject is brought to the fore, intentionally avoiding significant overlap with material from standard physics courses in quantum mechanics and quantum field theory.

This introduction to Linear Algebra and Group Theory will, it is hoped, serve as a stepping stone to students of Physics, in particular of Theoretical Physics and possibly also of Mathematics, who wish to pur- sue advanced study and research. The first few chapters on elementary Group Theory and Linear Vector Spaces are included to make the book self-contained and mayaIso be used as instructional material for grad- uate and under-graduate classes. Since there are several good books on application of Group Theory to Physical Problems, the emphasis here is almost entirely on the theory which is presented with enough care and detail to enable the student to acquire a reasonably sound grasp of the fundamentals.

This collection covers all fields of mathematics, a must-have for the aspiring maths students and scholars alike.