Explicit expressions of inner / outer automorphism of special unitary group SU(n)
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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reputation from annie heart ending in 4 days.
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add a comment |
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
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
add a comment |
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
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
representation-theory lie-groups lie-algebras automorphism-group
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
add a comment |
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
add a comment |
1 Answer
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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.
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
add a comment |
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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.
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
add a comment |
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.
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
add a comment |
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.
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.
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
add a comment |
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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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