Explicit expressions of inner / outer automorphism of special unitary group SU(n)












2














The goal is to write down explicit expressions of inner / outer automorphism of SU($n$), for $ngeq 2$.



We know that SU(2) has an SO(3) ($supseteq mathbb{Z}_2$)-inner automorphism,



while SU(n) has a $mathbb{Z}_2$-outer automorphism. For simply connected simple Lie groups, the outer automorphisms come from the automorphisms of the Dynkin diagram. See also the discussion in MO.




  • For SU(2), we can write the group element as
    $$ g_{text{SU(2)}} = expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{3} i t_k frac{sigma_k}{2}right) $$
    where $(t_1,t_2,t_3)$ forms a unit vector [effectively pointing in some direction on a unit 2-sphere $S^2$], and $sigma_k$ are Pauli matrices:
    begin{align}
    sigma_1 &=
    begin{pmatrix}
    0&1\
    1&0
    end{pmatrix} \
    sigma_2 &=
    begin{pmatrix}
    0&-i\
    i&0
    end{pmatrix} \
    sigma_3 &=
    begin{pmatrix}
    1&0\
    0&-1
    end{pmatrix} ,.
    end{align}

    Notice that any group element on $SU(2)$ can be parametrized by some $theta$ and $(t_1,t_2,t_3)$. Also $theta$ has a periodicity $[0,4 pi)$.


The inner automorphism is given by,
$$
x g_{text{SU(2)}} x^{-1}=
expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{3} (-i) t_k frac{sigma_k^T}{2}right)
expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{3} (-i) t_k frac{sigma_k^*}{2}right)
=g_{text{SU(2)}}^*.
$$

where
$$x=e^{ifrac{pi }{2}sigma_2} = isigma_2= begin{pmatrix}
0&1\
-1&0
end{pmatrix} in text{SU(2)},$$




  • For SU($n$), $n>2$,



Do we have a simple expression of $g_{text{SU(n)}}$?



(It looks like the answer given here in ME by Anon is negative. But the Refs here Ref 1, Ref 2, Ref 3 writing down suggestive expressions
$$ g_{text{SU(n)}} = expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{n^2-1} i t_k frac{lambda_k}{2}right)??? $$



So the outer automorphism of SU(n) simply sends $g_{text{SU(n)}}$ to its complex conjugation
$$
g_{text{SU(n)}} to g_{text{SU(n)}}^*?
$$



What is the explicit $x$ such that, for $n=3,4,5, etc$?
$$
g_{text{SU(n)}} to g_{text{SU(n)}}^* = x g_{text{SU(n)}} x^{-1}?
$$











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This question has an open bounty worth +50
reputation from annie heart ending in 4 days.


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  • An inner automorphism, by definition, is conjugation by an element of the group. So to find an inner automorphism of order $2$ just find some order $2$ elements of the group.
    – Lord Shark the Unknown
    Aug 17 '18 at 4:39










  • The element I used for conjugation is $$x=e^{ifrac{pi }{2}sigma_2} = isigma_2= begin{pmatrix} 0&1\ -1&0 end{pmatrix} in text{SU(2)},$$ which is in the order 2 ($mathbb{Z}_4$) rather than the order 4 ($mathbb{Z}_2$), because $x^4=1$. But it works. Any more comments? Thanks!
    – wonderich
    Aug 17 '18 at 14:18


















2














The goal is to write down explicit expressions of inner / outer automorphism of SU($n$), for $ngeq 2$.



We know that SU(2) has an SO(3) ($supseteq mathbb{Z}_2$)-inner automorphism,



while SU(n) has a $mathbb{Z}_2$-outer automorphism. For simply connected simple Lie groups, the outer automorphisms come from the automorphisms of the Dynkin diagram. See also the discussion in MO.




  • For SU(2), we can write the group element as
    $$ g_{text{SU(2)}} = expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{3} i t_k frac{sigma_k}{2}right) $$
    where $(t_1,t_2,t_3)$ forms a unit vector [effectively pointing in some direction on a unit 2-sphere $S^2$], and $sigma_k$ are Pauli matrices:
    begin{align}
    sigma_1 &=
    begin{pmatrix}
    0&1\
    1&0
    end{pmatrix} \
    sigma_2 &=
    begin{pmatrix}
    0&-i\
    i&0
    end{pmatrix} \
    sigma_3 &=
    begin{pmatrix}
    1&0\
    0&-1
    end{pmatrix} ,.
    end{align}

    Notice that any group element on $SU(2)$ can be parametrized by some $theta$ and $(t_1,t_2,t_3)$. Also $theta$ has a periodicity $[0,4 pi)$.


The inner automorphism is given by,
$$
x g_{text{SU(2)}} x^{-1}=
expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{3} (-i) t_k frac{sigma_k^T}{2}right)
expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{3} (-i) t_k frac{sigma_k^*}{2}right)
=g_{text{SU(2)}}^*.
$$

where
$$x=e^{ifrac{pi }{2}sigma_2} = isigma_2= begin{pmatrix}
0&1\
-1&0
end{pmatrix} in text{SU(2)},$$




  • For SU($n$), $n>2$,



Do we have a simple expression of $g_{text{SU(n)}}$?



(It looks like the answer given here in ME by Anon is negative. But the Refs here Ref 1, Ref 2, Ref 3 writing down suggestive expressions
$$ g_{text{SU(n)}} = expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{n^2-1} i t_k frac{lambda_k}{2}right)??? $$



So the outer automorphism of SU(n) simply sends $g_{text{SU(n)}}$ to its complex conjugation
$$
g_{text{SU(n)}} to g_{text{SU(n)}}^*?
$$



What is the explicit $x$ such that, for $n=3,4,5, etc$?
$$
g_{text{SU(n)}} to g_{text{SU(n)}}^* = x g_{text{SU(n)}} x^{-1}?
$$











share|cite|improve this question

















This question has an open bounty worth +50
reputation from annie heart ending in 4 days.


The question is widely applicable to a large audience. A detailed canonical answer is required to address all the concerns.


With detailed answers and relevant Refs.
















  • An inner automorphism, by definition, is conjugation by an element of the group. So to find an inner automorphism of order $2$ just find some order $2$ elements of the group.
    – Lord Shark the Unknown
    Aug 17 '18 at 4:39










  • The element I used for conjugation is $$x=e^{ifrac{pi }{2}sigma_2} = isigma_2= begin{pmatrix} 0&1\ -1&0 end{pmatrix} in text{SU(2)},$$ which is in the order 2 ($mathbb{Z}_4$) rather than the order 4 ($mathbb{Z}_2$), because $x^4=1$. But it works. Any more comments? Thanks!
    – wonderich
    Aug 17 '18 at 14:18
















2












2








2


3





The goal is to write down explicit expressions of inner / outer automorphism of SU($n$), for $ngeq 2$.



We know that SU(2) has an SO(3) ($supseteq mathbb{Z}_2$)-inner automorphism,



while SU(n) has a $mathbb{Z}_2$-outer automorphism. For simply connected simple Lie groups, the outer automorphisms come from the automorphisms of the Dynkin diagram. See also the discussion in MO.




  • For SU(2), we can write the group element as
    $$ g_{text{SU(2)}} = expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{3} i t_k frac{sigma_k}{2}right) $$
    where $(t_1,t_2,t_3)$ forms a unit vector [effectively pointing in some direction on a unit 2-sphere $S^2$], and $sigma_k$ are Pauli matrices:
    begin{align}
    sigma_1 &=
    begin{pmatrix}
    0&1\
    1&0
    end{pmatrix} \
    sigma_2 &=
    begin{pmatrix}
    0&-i\
    i&0
    end{pmatrix} \
    sigma_3 &=
    begin{pmatrix}
    1&0\
    0&-1
    end{pmatrix} ,.
    end{align}

    Notice that any group element on $SU(2)$ can be parametrized by some $theta$ and $(t_1,t_2,t_3)$. Also $theta$ has a periodicity $[0,4 pi)$.


The inner automorphism is given by,
$$
x g_{text{SU(2)}} x^{-1}=
expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{3} (-i) t_k frac{sigma_k^T}{2}right)
expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{3} (-i) t_k frac{sigma_k^*}{2}right)
=g_{text{SU(2)}}^*.
$$

where
$$x=e^{ifrac{pi }{2}sigma_2} = isigma_2= begin{pmatrix}
0&1\
-1&0
end{pmatrix} in text{SU(2)},$$




  • For SU($n$), $n>2$,



Do we have a simple expression of $g_{text{SU(n)}}$?



(It looks like the answer given here in ME by Anon is negative. But the Refs here Ref 1, Ref 2, Ref 3 writing down suggestive expressions
$$ g_{text{SU(n)}} = expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{n^2-1} i t_k frac{lambda_k}{2}right)??? $$



So the outer automorphism of SU(n) simply sends $g_{text{SU(n)}}$ to its complex conjugation
$$
g_{text{SU(n)}} to g_{text{SU(n)}}^*?
$$



What is the explicit $x$ such that, for $n=3,4,5, etc$?
$$
g_{text{SU(n)}} to g_{text{SU(n)}}^* = x g_{text{SU(n)}} x^{-1}?
$$











share|cite|improve this question















The goal is to write down explicit expressions of inner / outer automorphism of SU($n$), for $ngeq 2$.



We know that SU(2) has an SO(3) ($supseteq mathbb{Z}_2$)-inner automorphism,



while SU(n) has a $mathbb{Z}_2$-outer automorphism. For simply connected simple Lie groups, the outer automorphisms come from the automorphisms of the Dynkin diagram. See also the discussion in MO.




  • For SU(2), we can write the group element as
    $$ g_{text{SU(2)}} = expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{3} i t_k frac{sigma_k}{2}right) $$
    where $(t_1,t_2,t_3)$ forms a unit vector [effectively pointing in some direction on a unit 2-sphere $S^2$], and $sigma_k$ are Pauli matrices:
    begin{align}
    sigma_1 &=
    begin{pmatrix}
    0&1\
    1&0
    end{pmatrix} \
    sigma_2 &=
    begin{pmatrix}
    0&-i\
    i&0
    end{pmatrix} \
    sigma_3 &=
    begin{pmatrix}
    1&0\
    0&-1
    end{pmatrix} ,.
    end{align}

    Notice that any group element on $SU(2)$ can be parametrized by some $theta$ and $(t_1,t_2,t_3)$. Also $theta$ has a periodicity $[0,4 pi)$.


The inner automorphism is given by,
$$
x g_{text{SU(2)}} x^{-1}=
expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{3} (-i) t_k frac{sigma_k^T}{2}right)
expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{3} (-i) t_k frac{sigma_k^*}{2}right)
=g_{text{SU(2)}}^*.
$$

where
$$x=e^{ifrac{pi }{2}sigma_2} = isigma_2= begin{pmatrix}
0&1\
-1&0
end{pmatrix} in text{SU(2)},$$




  • For SU($n$), $n>2$,



Do we have a simple expression of $g_{text{SU(n)}}$?



(It looks like the answer given here in ME by Anon is negative. But the Refs here Ref 1, Ref 2, Ref 3 writing down suggestive expressions
$$ g_{text{SU(n)}} = expleft(thetasum_{k=1}^{n^2-1} i t_k frac{lambda_k}{2}right)??? $$



So the outer automorphism of SU(n) simply sends $g_{text{SU(n)}}$ to its complex conjugation
$$
g_{text{SU(n)}} to g_{text{SU(n)}}^*?
$$



What is the explicit $x$ such that, for $n=3,4,5, etc$?
$$
g_{text{SU(n)}} to g_{text{SU(n)}}^* = x g_{text{SU(n)}} x^{-1}?
$$








representation-theory lie-groups lie-algebras automorphism-group






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edited Jan 6 at 0:06







wonderich

















asked Aug 17 '18 at 4:25









wonderichwonderich

2,08631230




2,08631230






This question has an open bounty worth +50
reputation from annie heart ending in 4 days.


The question is widely applicable to a large audience. A detailed canonical answer is required to address all the concerns.


With detailed answers and relevant Refs.








This question has an open bounty worth +50
reputation from annie heart ending in 4 days.


The question is widely applicable to a large audience. A detailed canonical answer is required to address all the concerns.


With detailed answers and relevant Refs.














  • An inner automorphism, by definition, is conjugation by an element of the group. So to find an inner automorphism of order $2$ just find some order $2$ elements of the group.
    – Lord Shark the Unknown
    Aug 17 '18 at 4:39










  • The element I used for conjugation is $$x=e^{ifrac{pi }{2}sigma_2} = isigma_2= begin{pmatrix} 0&1\ -1&0 end{pmatrix} in text{SU(2)},$$ which is in the order 2 ($mathbb{Z}_4$) rather than the order 4 ($mathbb{Z}_2$), because $x^4=1$. But it works. Any more comments? Thanks!
    – wonderich
    Aug 17 '18 at 14:18




















  • An inner automorphism, by definition, is conjugation by an element of the group. So to find an inner automorphism of order $2$ just find some order $2$ elements of the group.
    – Lord Shark the Unknown
    Aug 17 '18 at 4:39










  • The element I used for conjugation is $$x=e^{ifrac{pi }{2}sigma_2} = isigma_2= begin{pmatrix} 0&1\ -1&0 end{pmatrix} in text{SU(2)},$$ which is in the order 2 ($mathbb{Z}_4$) rather than the order 4 ($mathbb{Z}_2$), because $x^4=1$. But it works. Any more comments? Thanks!
    – wonderich
    Aug 17 '18 at 14:18


















An inner automorphism, by definition, is conjugation by an element of the group. So to find an inner automorphism of order $2$ just find some order $2$ elements of the group.
– Lord Shark the Unknown
Aug 17 '18 at 4:39




An inner automorphism, by definition, is conjugation by an element of the group. So to find an inner automorphism of order $2$ just find some order $2$ elements of the group.
– Lord Shark the Unknown
Aug 17 '18 at 4:39












The element I used for conjugation is $$x=e^{ifrac{pi }{2}sigma_2} = isigma_2= begin{pmatrix} 0&1\ -1&0 end{pmatrix} in text{SU(2)},$$ which is in the order 2 ($mathbb{Z}_4$) rather than the order 4 ($mathbb{Z}_2$), because $x^4=1$. But it works. Any more comments? Thanks!
– wonderich
Aug 17 '18 at 14:18






The element I used for conjugation is $$x=e^{ifrac{pi }{2}sigma_2} = isigma_2= begin{pmatrix} 0&1\ -1&0 end{pmatrix} in text{SU(2)},$$ which is in the order 2 ($mathbb{Z}_4$) rather than the order 4 ($mathbb{Z}_2$), because $x^4=1$. But it works. Any more comments? Thanks!
– wonderich
Aug 17 '18 at 14:18












1 Answer
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oldest

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1














A complaint first about notation: I learned to use the notation $g^{ast}$ for the complex conjugate transpose; you seem to be using it for just complex conjugate. To avoid this issue, I'll write $overline{g}$ for the complex conjugate of the matrix $g$.



The outer automorphism of $SU(n)$ is, indeed, $g mapsto overline{g}$. By the defining property of unitary matrices, this is also $g mapsto (g^T)^{-1}$. If $H$ is a Hermitian matrix, then this automorphism sends $exp(iH)$ to $exp(-ioverline{H}) = exp(-i H^T)$. Of course, you can express this formula in terms of any basis for the Hermitian matrices you like.



Once $n$ is at least $3$, the matrices $g$ and $overline{g}$ are generically not conjugate. Let the eigenvalues of $g$ be $exp(i theta_1)$, $exp(i theta_2)$, .., $exp(i theta_n)$. Then the eigenvalues of $overline{g}$ will be $exp(-i theta_1)$, $exp(-i theta_2)$, .., $exp(-i theta_n)$. For generic $(theta_1, ldots, theta_n)$ with $sum theta_j=0$, the second list of eigenvalues will not be a permutation of the first, so $g$ and $overline{g}$ are not conjugate within $SU(n)$ (or even $GL_n$). Indeed, this is the easiest way to see that the automorphism is outer. So your request for a matrix $x$ with $overline{g} = x g x^{-1}$ doesn't make sense.






share|cite|improve this answer





















  • I dont see why "request for a matrix $x$ with $overline{g} = x g x^{-1}$ doesn't make sense. " ---- the $x$ is not in the SU(n), but such an $x$ may still be possible in a larger group?
    – annie heart
    12 hours ago










  • Such $x$ isn't in $GL_n$ either. Of course, it is possible in some group: If $G$ is any group and $alpha$ is an automorphism, then $alpha$ becomes inner if we embed $G$ into $G rtimes mathbb{Z}$ where the generator of $mathbb{Z}$ acts by $alpha$.
    – David E Speyer
    11 hours ago










  • In this case, we could embed $SU(n)$ into $SU(n) times SU(n)$ by $g mapsto left( begin{smallmatrix} g & 0 \ 0 & overline{g} end{smallmatrix} right)$ and then take $x = left( begin{smallmatrix} 0 & mathrm{Id}_n \ mathrm{Id}_n & 0 \ end{smallmatrix} right)$. But I assume that isn't what is being asked for.
    – David E Speyer
    11 hours ago











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1














A complaint first about notation: I learned to use the notation $g^{ast}$ for the complex conjugate transpose; you seem to be using it for just complex conjugate. To avoid this issue, I'll write $overline{g}$ for the complex conjugate of the matrix $g$.



The outer automorphism of $SU(n)$ is, indeed, $g mapsto overline{g}$. By the defining property of unitary matrices, this is also $g mapsto (g^T)^{-1}$. If $H$ is a Hermitian matrix, then this automorphism sends $exp(iH)$ to $exp(-ioverline{H}) = exp(-i H^T)$. Of course, you can express this formula in terms of any basis for the Hermitian matrices you like.



Once $n$ is at least $3$, the matrices $g$ and $overline{g}$ are generically not conjugate. Let the eigenvalues of $g$ be $exp(i theta_1)$, $exp(i theta_2)$, .., $exp(i theta_n)$. Then the eigenvalues of $overline{g}$ will be $exp(-i theta_1)$, $exp(-i theta_2)$, .., $exp(-i theta_n)$. For generic $(theta_1, ldots, theta_n)$ with $sum theta_j=0$, the second list of eigenvalues will not be a permutation of the first, so $g$ and $overline{g}$ are not conjugate within $SU(n)$ (or even $GL_n$). Indeed, this is the easiest way to see that the automorphism is outer. So your request for a matrix $x$ with $overline{g} = x g x^{-1}$ doesn't make sense.






share|cite|improve this answer





















  • I dont see why "request for a matrix $x$ with $overline{g} = x g x^{-1}$ doesn't make sense. " ---- the $x$ is not in the SU(n), but such an $x$ may still be possible in a larger group?
    – annie heart
    12 hours ago










  • Such $x$ isn't in $GL_n$ either. Of course, it is possible in some group: If $G$ is any group and $alpha$ is an automorphism, then $alpha$ becomes inner if we embed $G$ into $G rtimes mathbb{Z}$ where the generator of $mathbb{Z}$ acts by $alpha$.
    – David E Speyer
    11 hours ago










  • In this case, we could embed $SU(n)$ into $SU(n) times SU(n)$ by $g mapsto left( begin{smallmatrix} g & 0 \ 0 & overline{g} end{smallmatrix} right)$ and then take $x = left( begin{smallmatrix} 0 & mathrm{Id}_n \ mathrm{Id}_n & 0 \ end{smallmatrix} right)$. But I assume that isn't what is being asked for.
    – David E Speyer
    11 hours ago
















1














A complaint first about notation: I learned to use the notation $g^{ast}$ for the complex conjugate transpose; you seem to be using it for just complex conjugate. To avoid this issue, I'll write $overline{g}$ for the complex conjugate of the matrix $g$.



The outer automorphism of $SU(n)$ is, indeed, $g mapsto overline{g}$. By the defining property of unitary matrices, this is also $g mapsto (g^T)^{-1}$. If $H$ is a Hermitian matrix, then this automorphism sends $exp(iH)$ to $exp(-ioverline{H}) = exp(-i H^T)$. Of course, you can express this formula in terms of any basis for the Hermitian matrices you like.



Once $n$ is at least $3$, the matrices $g$ and $overline{g}$ are generically not conjugate. Let the eigenvalues of $g$ be $exp(i theta_1)$, $exp(i theta_2)$, .., $exp(i theta_n)$. Then the eigenvalues of $overline{g}$ will be $exp(-i theta_1)$, $exp(-i theta_2)$, .., $exp(-i theta_n)$. For generic $(theta_1, ldots, theta_n)$ with $sum theta_j=0$, the second list of eigenvalues will not be a permutation of the first, so $g$ and $overline{g}$ are not conjugate within $SU(n)$ (or even $GL_n$). Indeed, this is the easiest way to see that the automorphism is outer. So your request for a matrix $x$ with $overline{g} = x g x^{-1}$ doesn't make sense.






share|cite|improve this answer





















  • I dont see why "request for a matrix $x$ with $overline{g} = x g x^{-1}$ doesn't make sense. " ---- the $x$ is not in the SU(n), but such an $x$ may still be possible in a larger group?
    – annie heart
    12 hours ago










  • Such $x$ isn't in $GL_n$ either. Of course, it is possible in some group: If $G$ is any group and $alpha$ is an automorphism, then $alpha$ becomes inner if we embed $G$ into $G rtimes mathbb{Z}$ where the generator of $mathbb{Z}$ acts by $alpha$.
    – David E Speyer
    11 hours ago










  • In this case, we could embed $SU(n)$ into $SU(n) times SU(n)$ by $g mapsto left( begin{smallmatrix} g & 0 \ 0 & overline{g} end{smallmatrix} right)$ and then take $x = left( begin{smallmatrix} 0 & mathrm{Id}_n \ mathrm{Id}_n & 0 \ end{smallmatrix} right)$. But I assume that isn't what is being asked for.
    – David E Speyer
    11 hours ago














1












1








1






A complaint first about notation: I learned to use the notation $g^{ast}$ for the complex conjugate transpose; you seem to be using it for just complex conjugate. To avoid this issue, I'll write $overline{g}$ for the complex conjugate of the matrix $g$.



The outer automorphism of $SU(n)$ is, indeed, $g mapsto overline{g}$. By the defining property of unitary matrices, this is also $g mapsto (g^T)^{-1}$. If $H$ is a Hermitian matrix, then this automorphism sends $exp(iH)$ to $exp(-ioverline{H}) = exp(-i H^T)$. Of course, you can express this formula in terms of any basis for the Hermitian matrices you like.



Once $n$ is at least $3$, the matrices $g$ and $overline{g}$ are generically not conjugate. Let the eigenvalues of $g$ be $exp(i theta_1)$, $exp(i theta_2)$, .., $exp(i theta_n)$. Then the eigenvalues of $overline{g}$ will be $exp(-i theta_1)$, $exp(-i theta_2)$, .., $exp(-i theta_n)$. For generic $(theta_1, ldots, theta_n)$ with $sum theta_j=0$, the second list of eigenvalues will not be a permutation of the first, so $g$ and $overline{g}$ are not conjugate within $SU(n)$ (or even $GL_n$). Indeed, this is the easiest way to see that the automorphism is outer. So your request for a matrix $x$ with $overline{g} = x g x^{-1}$ doesn't make sense.






share|cite|improve this answer












A complaint first about notation: I learned to use the notation $g^{ast}$ for the complex conjugate transpose; you seem to be using it for just complex conjugate. To avoid this issue, I'll write $overline{g}$ for the complex conjugate of the matrix $g$.



The outer automorphism of $SU(n)$ is, indeed, $g mapsto overline{g}$. By the defining property of unitary matrices, this is also $g mapsto (g^T)^{-1}$. If $H$ is a Hermitian matrix, then this automorphism sends $exp(iH)$ to $exp(-ioverline{H}) = exp(-i H^T)$. Of course, you can express this formula in terms of any basis for the Hermitian matrices you like.



Once $n$ is at least $3$, the matrices $g$ and $overline{g}$ are generically not conjugate. Let the eigenvalues of $g$ be $exp(i theta_1)$, $exp(i theta_2)$, .., $exp(i theta_n)$. Then the eigenvalues of $overline{g}$ will be $exp(-i theta_1)$, $exp(-i theta_2)$, .., $exp(-i theta_n)$. For generic $(theta_1, ldots, theta_n)$ with $sum theta_j=0$, the second list of eigenvalues will not be a permutation of the first, so $g$ and $overline{g}$ are not conjugate within $SU(n)$ (or even $GL_n$). Indeed, this is the easiest way to see that the automorphism is outer. So your request for a matrix $x$ with $overline{g} = x g x^{-1}$ doesn't make sense.







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answered 13 hours ago









David E SpeyerDavid E Speyer

45k4125203




45k4125203












  • I dont see why "request for a matrix $x$ with $overline{g} = x g x^{-1}$ doesn't make sense. " ---- the $x$ is not in the SU(n), but such an $x$ may still be possible in a larger group?
    – annie heart
    12 hours ago










  • Such $x$ isn't in $GL_n$ either. Of course, it is possible in some group: If $G$ is any group and $alpha$ is an automorphism, then $alpha$ becomes inner if we embed $G$ into $G rtimes mathbb{Z}$ where the generator of $mathbb{Z}$ acts by $alpha$.
    – David E Speyer
    11 hours ago










  • In this case, we could embed $SU(n)$ into $SU(n) times SU(n)$ by $g mapsto left( begin{smallmatrix} g & 0 \ 0 & overline{g} end{smallmatrix} right)$ and then take $x = left( begin{smallmatrix} 0 & mathrm{Id}_n \ mathrm{Id}_n & 0 \ end{smallmatrix} right)$. But I assume that isn't what is being asked for.
    – David E Speyer
    11 hours ago


















  • I dont see why "request for a matrix $x$ with $overline{g} = x g x^{-1}$ doesn't make sense. " ---- the $x$ is not in the SU(n), but such an $x$ may still be possible in a larger group?
    – annie heart
    12 hours ago










  • Such $x$ isn't in $GL_n$ either. Of course, it is possible in some group: If $G$ is any group and $alpha$ is an automorphism, then $alpha$ becomes inner if we embed $G$ into $G rtimes mathbb{Z}$ where the generator of $mathbb{Z}$ acts by $alpha$.
    – David E Speyer
    11 hours ago










  • In this case, we could embed $SU(n)$ into $SU(n) times SU(n)$ by $g mapsto left( begin{smallmatrix} g & 0 \ 0 & overline{g} end{smallmatrix} right)$ and then take $x = left( begin{smallmatrix} 0 & mathrm{Id}_n \ mathrm{Id}_n & 0 \ end{smallmatrix} right)$. But I assume that isn't what is being asked for.
    – David E Speyer
    11 hours ago
















I dont see why "request for a matrix $x$ with $overline{g} = x g x^{-1}$ doesn't make sense. " ---- the $x$ is not in the SU(n), but such an $x$ may still be possible in a larger group?
– annie heart
12 hours ago




I dont see why "request for a matrix $x$ with $overline{g} = x g x^{-1}$ doesn't make sense. " ---- the $x$ is not in the SU(n), but such an $x$ may still be possible in a larger group?
– annie heart
12 hours ago












Such $x$ isn't in $GL_n$ either. Of course, it is possible in some group: If $G$ is any group and $alpha$ is an automorphism, then $alpha$ becomes inner if we embed $G$ into $G rtimes mathbb{Z}$ where the generator of $mathbb{Z}$ acts by $alpha$.
– David E Speyer
11 hours ago




Such $x$ isn't in $GL_n$ either. Of course, it is possible in some group: If $G$ is any group and $alpha$ is an automorphism, then $alpha$ becomes inner if we embed $G$ into $G rtimes mathbb{Z}$ where the generator of $mathbb{Z}$ acts by $alpha$.
– David E Speyer
11 hours ago












In this case, we could embed $SU(n)$ into $SU(n) times SU(n)$ by $g mapsto left( begin{smallmatrix} g & 0 \ 0 & overline{g} end{smallmatrix} right)$ and then take $x = left( begin{smallmatrix} 0 & mathrm{Id}_n \ mathrm{Id}_n & 0 \ end{smallmatrix} right)$. But I assume that isn't what is being asked for.
– David E Speyer
11 hours ago




In this case, we could embed $SU(n)$ into $SU(n) times SU(n)$ by $g mapsto left( begin{smallmatrix} g & 0 \ 0 & overline{g} end{smallmatrix} right)$ and then take $x = left( begin{smallmatrix} 0 & mathrm{Id}_n \ mathrm{Id}_n & 0 \ end{smallmatrix} right)$. But I assume that isn't what is being asked for.
– David E Speyer
11 hours ago


















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