The orthogonal group admits projective unitary representations which do not derive from true representations, and we describe a fundamental family of such representations. As a consequence there exist quantum systems that change state under a full turn rotation along a given axis (although a second full turn rotation brings them back to the original state). Amazingly, Nature has made essential use of this structure. In order to study the projective representations of the orthogonal and Lorentz groups, it is convenient to replace them by “better versions“; the groups SU(2) and SL(2,C), which are groups of 2 by 2 matrices, and for which projective representations are simply related to true representations. The orthogonal and Lorentz groups are then images of these groups under two-to-one group homomorphisms, and it is these isomorphisms that concentrate the behavior of their projective representations. Finally we describe how the introduction of parity in our theory leads to the discovery of the Dirac matrices.The orthogonal group admits projective unitary representations which do not derive from true representations, and we describe a fundamental family of such representations. As a consequence there exist quantum systems that change state under a full turn rotation along a given axis (although a second full turn rotation brings them back to the original state). Amazingly, Nature has made essential use of this structure. In order to study the projective representations of the orthogonal and Lorentz groups, it is convenient to replace them by “better versions“; the groups SU(2) and SL(2,C), which are groups of 2 by 2 matrices, and for which projective representations are simply related to true representations. The orthogonal and Lorentz groups are then images of these groups under two-to-one group homomorphisms, and it is these isomorphisms that concentrate the behavior of their projective representations. Finally we describe how the introduction of parity in our theory leads to the discovery of the Dirac matrices.

Cambridge University Press eBooksFeb 22, 20220 citations

Representation of Groups

Sadri Hassani

Springer eBooksJan 1, 201333 citations

Relativistic implications of the quantum phase

Stephen G Low

The quantum phase leads to projective representations of symmetry groups in quantum mechanics. The projective representations are equivalent to the unitary representations of the central extension of the group. A celebrated example is Wigner's formulation of special relativistic quantum mechanics as the projective representations of the inhomogeneous Lorentz group. However, Wigner's formulation makes no mention of the Weyl-Heisenberg group and the hermitian representation of its algebra that are the Heisenberg commutation relations fundamental to quantum physics. We put aside the relativistic symmetry and show that the maximal quantum symmetry that leaves the Heisenberg commutation relations invariant is the projective representations of the conformally scaled inhomogeneous symplectic group. The Weyl-Heisenberg group and noncommutative structure arises directly because the quantum phase requires projective representations. We then consider the relativistic implications of the quantum phase that lead to the Born line element and the projective representations of an inhomogeneous unitary group that defines a noninertial quantum theory. (Understanding noninertial quantum mechanics is a prelude to understanding quantum gravity.) The remarkable properties of this symmetry and its limits are studied.The quantum phase leads to projective representations of symmetry groups in quantum mechanics. The projective representations are equivalent to the unitary representations of the central extension of the group. A celebrated example is Wigner's formulation of special relativistic quantum mechanics as the projective representations of the inhomogeneous Lorentz group. However, Wigner's formulation makes no mention of the Weyl-Heisenberg group and the hermitian representation of its algebra that are the Heisenberg commutation relations fundamental to quantum physics. We put aside the relativistic symmetry and show that the maximal quantum symmetry that leaves the Heisenberg commutation relations invariant is the projective representations of the conformally scaled inhomogeneous symplectic group. The Weyl-Heisenberg group and noncommutative structure arises directly because the quantum phase requires projective representations. We then consider the relativistic implications of the quantum phase that lead to the Born line element and the projective representations of an inhomogeneous unitary group that defines a noninertial quantum theory. (Understanding noninertial quantum mechanics is a prelude to understanding quantum gravity.) The remarkable properties of this symmetry and its limits are studied.

arXiv:0903.4641Journal of Physics Conference SeriesFeb 8, 20121 citation

Projected Holstein-Primakoff boson representation of quantum spins for spin wave theory

Ke Liu, Fangyu Xiong, Fa Wang

The Holstein-Primakoff boson representation of quantum spins and associated large- $S$ expansion have been the standard framework for describing the spin wave excitations in magnetically order phases of quantum spin systems. However, we will show that the omission of projection operators and normal-ordering in this representation can produce incorrect magnon hamiltonians for finite $S$ . We will present the exact normal-ordered forms of the finite- $S$ projection operators and projected Holstein-Primakoff boson representations of spin and quadrupole operators, which can produce exact two-magnon interaction terms under ferromagnetic or fully polarized states. We will also discuss the difficulties of applying this projected representation to antiferromagnetic spin wave theory.The Holstein-Primakoff boson representation of quantum spins and associated large-$S$ expansion have been the standard framework for describing the spin wave excitations in magnetically order phases of quantum spin systems. However, we will show that the omission of projection operators and normal-ordering in this representation can produce incorrect magnon hamiltonians for finite $S$. We will present the exact normal-ordered forms of the finite-$S$ projection operators and projected Holstein-Primakoff boson representations of spin and quadrupole operators, which can produce exact two-magnon interaction terms under ferromagnetic or fully polarized states. We will also discuss the difficulties of applying this projected representation to antiferromagnetic spin wave theory.

arXiv:2509.26607Physical review. B./Physical review. BDec 22, 20250 citations

The Holstein-Primakoff boson representation of quantum spins and associated large-

S

expansion have been the standard framework for describing the spin wave excitations in magnetically order phases of quantum spin systems. However, we will show that the omission of projection operators and normal-ordering in this representation can produce incorrect magnon hamiltonians for finite

S

. We will present the exact normal-ordered forms of the finite-

S

projection operators and projected Holstein-Primakoff boson representations of spin and quadrupole operators, which can produce exact two-magnon interaction terms under ferromagnetic or fully polarized states. We will also discuss the difficulties of applying this projected representation to antiferromagnetic spin wave theory.