Group Theoretical Description of Space Inversion, Time Reversal and Charge Conjugation

Abstract

A group theoretical description of basic discrete symmetries (space inversion P, time reversal T and charge conjugation C) is given. Discrete subgroups of orthogonal groups of multidimensional spaces over the fields of real and complex numbers are considered in terms of fundamental automorphisms of Clifford algebras. In accordance with a division ring structure, a complete classification of automorphism groups is established for the Clifford algebras over the fields of real and complex numbers. Finite-dimensional representations of the proper orthochronous Lorentz group are studied in terms of spinor representations of the Clifford algebras. Real, complex, quaternionic and octonionic representations of the Lorentz group are considered. The Atiayh-Bott-Shapiro periodicity is defined on the Lorentz group. Quotient representations of the Lorentz group are introduced. It is shown that quotient representations are the most suitable for description of massless physical fields. An algebraic construction of basic physical fields is presented.