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Some recent results for $SU(3)$ and Octonions within the Geometric Algebra approach to the fundamental forces of nature
  • Anthony Lasenby
Anthony Lasenby
University of Cambridge

Corresponding Author:a.n.lasenby@mrao.cam.ac.uk

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Abstract

Different ways of representing the group $SU(3)$ within a Geometric Algebra approach are explored. As part of this we consider characteristic multivectors for $SU(3)$, and how these are linked with decomposition of generators into commuting bivectors. The setting for this work is within a 6d Euclidean Clifford Algebra. We then go on to consider whether the fundamental forces of particle physics might arise from symmetry considerations in just the 4d geometric algebra of spacetime — the STA. As part of this, a representation of $SU(3)$ is found wholly within the STA, involving preservation of a bivector norm. We also show how Octonions can be fully represented within the Spacetime Algebra, which we believe will be useful in making them understandable and accessible to a new community in Physics and Engineering. The two strands of the paper are drawn together in showing how preserving the octonion norm is the same as preserving the timelike part of the Dirac current of a particle. This suggests a new model for the symmetries preserved in particle physics. Following on from work by G\“unaydin and G\”ursey on the link between quarks, and octonions, and by Furey on chains of octonionic multiplications, we show how both of these fit well within our scheme, and give some wholly STA versions of the operations involved, which in the cases considered have easily understandable equivalents in terms of 4d geometry. We also report on how the full 64 dimensional Clifford space which is equivalent to chains of left
30 Jan 2022Submitted to Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences
31 Jan 2022Submission Checks Completed
31 Jan 2022Assigned to Editor
07 Feb 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
18 May 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 May 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
27 Aug 20221st Revision Received
29 Aug 2022Submission Checks Completed
29 Aug 2022Assigned to Editor
30 Aug 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
31 Aug 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Nov 2022Editorial Decision: Accept