Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Octonions And The Exceptional Lie Algebra G2, Ian M. Anderson

Research Vignettes

The octonions O are an 8-dimensional non-commutative, non-associative normed real algebra. The set of all derivations of O form a real Lie algebra. It is remarkable fact, first proved by E. Cartan in 1908, that the the derivation algebra of O is the compact form of the exceptional Lie algebra G2. In this worksheet we shall verify this result of Cartan and also show that the derivation algebra of the split octonions is the split real form of G2.

PDF and Maple worksheets can be downloaded from the links below.

A Homogeneous Solution Of The Einstein-Maxwell Equations, Charles G. Torre

Research Vignettes

We exhibit and analyze a homogeneous spacetime whose source is a pure radiation electromagnetic field [1]. It was previously believed that this spacetime is the sole example of a homogeneous pure radiation solution of the Einstein equations which admits no electromagnetic field (see [2] and references therein). Here we correct this error in the literature by explicitly displaying the electromagnetic source. This result implies that all homogeneous pure radiation spacetimes satisfy the Einstein-Maxwell equations.

PDF and Maple worksheets can be downloaded from the links below.

How To Create A Lie Algebra, Ian M. Anderson

How to... in 10 minutes or less

We show how to create a Lie algebra in Maple using three of the most common approaches: matrices, vector fields and structure equations. PDF and Maple worksheets can be downloaded from the links below.