Discrete subgroups of SU(N)

Discussion in 'Physics & Math' started by AlphaNumeric, Dec 7, 2009.

  1. AlphaNumeric Fully ionized Registered Senior Member

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    Is there a group identity about what the maximum discrete subgroup of SU(N) is? How about all discrete subgroups of SU(N)? If not but a few particular cases are known, what about N<4?

    Its obvious that Z_N is a subgroup of SU(N) via the fundamental representation but beyond subgroups of Z_N I can't see any immediately obvious way of finding out other subgroups.
     
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  3. temur man of no words Registered Senior Member

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    You mean Z_p for any p?
     
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2009
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  5. AlphaNumeric Fully ionized Registered Senior Member

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    I've just realised what a stupid question this is, given U(1) is a subgroup of SU(N>1) and all Z_p are in U(1). The thing I've been thinking about in relation to Z_n and SU(N) doesn't actually construct the Z_n in terms of subgroups. Never mind!
     
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  7. rpenner Fully Wired Valued Senior Member

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    Thank you -- I thought I was the one who lost ones mind.
     

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