Introduction To Group Theory: With Applications To Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Physics
Introduction To Group Theory: With Applications To Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Physics
Please, let me know if you nd misprints or mistakes in these notes. Thank you.
General Literature
J. F. Cornwell, Group Theory in Physics, (Academic, 1987)
general introduction; discrete and continuous groups
L. M. Falicov, Group Theory and Its Physical Applications, (University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1966).
small paperback; compact introduction
Specialized Literature
G. L. Bir und G. E. Pikus, Symmetry and Strain-Induced Eects in Semiconductors, (Wiley, New York, 1974)
thorough discussion of group theory and its applications in solid state physics by two pioneers
C. J. Bradley and A. P. Cracknell, The Mathematical Theory of Symmetry in Solids, (Clarendon, 1972)
comprehensive discussion of group theory in solid state physics
G. F. Koster, J. O. Dimmock, R. G. Wheeler und H. Statz, Properties of the Thirty-Two Point Groups, (MIT Press, 1963)
small, but extremely helpful reference book tabulating the properties of the 32 crystallographic point groups (character tables, Clebsch-Gordan coecients, compatibility relations, etc.)
R.W.
(closure) (associativity)
(identity / neutral element)
(inverse element)
Corollaries
(a) (c) (5) (b) a1 a = a a1 = e e a = ae = a a, b G : a G ab = ba
Examples
integer numbers with addition:
(Abelian group, innite order)
permutations of n objects: Pn
(nonabelian group, n! group elements)
(continuous) translations in
vector addition in
...
Classical Mechanics
), Lagrange function L(q, q Lagrange equations If for one j : d dt L q i = L qi i = 1, . . . , N is a conserved quantity
L L = 0 pj qj q j
Examples
qj linear coordinate translational invariance linear momentum pj = const. translation group qj angular coordinate rotational invariance angular momentum pj = const. rotation group
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
Quantum Mechanics
(1) Evaluation of matrix elements
Consider particle in potential V (x ) = V (x ) even two possiblities e (x ) even o (x ) odd overlapp e (x ) = e (x ) o (x ) = o (x ) i (x ) j (x ) dx = ij i |x |i = i , j = e, o i (x ) dx = 0 i (x ) x
product of two even / two odd functions is even product of one even and one odd function is odd integral over an odd function vanishes
Quantum Mechanics
(1) Evaluation of matrix elements (contd)
Group theory provides systematic generalization of these statements representation theory classication of how functions and operators transform under symmetry operations Wigner-Eckart theorem statements on matrix elements if we know how the functions and operators transform under the symmetries of a systems
Quantum Mechanics
(2) Degeneracies of Energy Eigenvalues
= E or i t = H Schr odinger equation H = [O with i t O ,H ] = 0 Let O is conserved quantity O
= E and O = eigenvalue equations H O can be solved simultaneously eigenvalue O of O is quantum number for
Example: H atom
= H
2
2m
2 2 + 2 r r r
2 L e2 2mr 2 r
group SO (3)
Quantum Mechanics
(3) Solid State Physics
in particular: crystalline solids, periodic assembly of atoms discrete translation invariance (i) Electrons in periodic potential V (r) V (r + R) = V (r) R {lattice vectors} R : translation operator T R f (r) = f (r + R) T R , H ] = 0 [T
Bloch theorem k (r) = ei kr uk (r) with uk (r + R) = uk (r) wave vector k is quantum number for the discrete translation invariance k rst Brillouin zone
Quantum Mechanics
(3) Solid State Physics
(ii) Phonons Consider square lattice
rotation by 90 o
frequencies of modes are equal degeneracies for particular propagation directions (iii) Theory of Invariants How can we construct models for the dynamics of electrons or phonons that are compatible with given crystal symmetries?
Quantum Mechanics
(4) Nuclear and Particle Physics
Physics at small length scales: strong interaction Proton mp = 938.28 MeV Neutron mn = 939.57 MeV Symmetry: isospin I with SU(2): proton |1 2
1 2
{e }, {e , a, b }, {e , c }, {e , d }, {e , f }, G are subgroups of G
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P3 e a b Symmetry w.r.t. main diagonal c group is Abelian d order n of g G : smallest n > 0 with g n = e f
e e a b c d f
a a b e f c d
b b e a d f c
c c d f e a b
d d f c b e a
f f c d a b e
{g , g 2 , . . . , g n = e } with g G is Abelian subgroup (a cyclic group) in every row / column every element appears exactly once because: Rearrangement Lemma: for any xed g G , we have G = {g g : g G} = {gg : g G} i.e., the latter sets consist of the elements in G rearranged in order.
proof: g1 = g2 g g1 = g g2 g1 , g2 , g G
Mappings of Groups
Let G and G be two groups. A mapping : G G assigns to each g G an element g = (g ) G , with every g G being the image of at least one g G . If (g1 ) (g2 ) = (g1 g2 ) g1 , g2 G , then is a homomorphic mapping of G on G . If the mapping is also one-to-one, then it is an isomomorphic mapping of G on G .
Isomorphic groups have the same structure.
Examples:
trivial homomorphism
G = P3 and G = {e }
Remarks
ab ac bc ba
a = xcx c = x ax b = ycy 1 = (xy 1 )1 a(xy 1 )
1 1
Example: P3 x e a b c d f e e e e e e e a a a a b b b b b b b a a a c c f d c f d d d c f f d c f f d c d c f
ab
x G
Abelian groups: each element is its own class classes are disjoint (no common elements) decompose G into classes in broad terms: similar elements form a class
If x x U , then x U = x U any x x U can be used to dene coset x U If U contains s elements, then each coset also contains s elements
(due to rearrangement lemma).
Two left (right) cosets for a subgroup U are either equal or disjoint
(due to rearrangement lemma).
Thus: decompose G into cosets G = U x U y U . . . x, y, . . . /U h Thus Theorem 1: Let h order of G N Let s order of U G s Corollary: The order of a nite group is an integer multiple of the orders of its subgroups. Corollary: If h prime number {e }, G are the only subgroups G is isomorphic to cyclic group
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
x U = Ux
z = xy
well-dened: (x U ) (y U ) = (U x ) (y U ) = U xy U = z U U = z U
An invariant subgroup U G and the distinct cosets x U form a group, called factor group F = G /U
group multiplication: see above U is identity element of factor group x 1 U is inverse for x U
We can think of factor groups G /U as coarse-grained versions of the group G . Often, factor groups G /U are a helpful intermediate step when working out the structure of more complicated groups G . Invariant subgroups are thus more useful subgroups than other subgroups.
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
3 : reducible representation: decompose any f (x ) into even and odd parts 1 f (x ) + f (x ) fe (x ) = 2 f (x ) = fe (x )+fo (x ) with 1 fo (x ) = 2 f (x ) f (x ) How to generalize these ideas for arbitrary groups?
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
1 (identity matrix)
= D1 (gi )
D(gi1 )
dimension of representation = dimension of representation matrices Example: G = C = rotations around a xed axis (angle ) C is isomorphic to group of orthogonal 2 2 matrices SO (2) cos sin D2 () = two-dimensional (2D) representation sin cos C is homomorphic to group {D1 () = 1} trivial 1D representation C is isomorphic to group
0 0 D2 ()
higher-dimensional representation
Generally: given matrix representations of dimensions n1 and n2 , we can construct (n1 + n2 ) dimensional representations
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Denition: Equivalent Representations Let {D(gi )} be a matrix representation for G with dimension n. Let X be a n-dimensional nonsingular matrix. The set {D (gi ) = X D(gi ) X 1 } forms a matrix representation called equivalent to {D(gi )}.
Convince yourself: {D (gi )} is, indeed, another matrix representation. Matrix representations are most convenient if matrices {D} are unitary. Thus
Theorem 3: Every matrix representation {D(gi )} is equivalent to a unitary representation {D (gi )} where D (gi ) = D 1 (gi ) In the following, it is always assumed that matrix representations are unitary.
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
Dene H =
i =1
=
i
i D D i
with d = d diagonal
i ) (D ) = (D i
i ) (D ) = (D i
i i
i ) |2 > 0 |(D
Thus
Di Di
D + (d i d = d
k
k D d D k ) d+ Di d
= d
k
i D k D D d D i k j = D =D j (rearrangement lemma)
=d qed
It exists a unitary matrix U that diagonalizes M (similar for M ) d = U 1 M U with d = d Thus () implies D (gi ) d = d D (gi ), where D (gi ) = U 1 D(gi ) U more explicitly: D (gi ) (d d ) = 0 i , ,
qed
(1) If {D1 (gi )} and {D2 (gi )} are inequivalent, then M = 0. (2) If M = 0 at least {D1 (gi )} or {D2 (gi )} are reducible. (3) If {D1 (gi )} and {D2 (gi )} are equivalent, then D2 (gi ) = X 1 D1 (gi )X with nonsingular X , so that M = cX with c C.
(*)
So () implies
gi G
So c = 0 and MM = 0, i.e.,
M M = = M M
|M |2 = 0
so that M = 0.
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
qed
Theorem 4: Orthogonality Relations for Irreducible Representations (1) two inequivalent IRs I = J
h i =1
DI (gi ) DJ (gi ) = 0
, = 1, . . . , nI , = 1, . . . , nJ
, , , = 1, . . . , nI
Remarks [DI (gi ) : i = 1, . . . , h] form vectors in a h-dim. vector space vectors for dierent I , are orthogonal in total, we have
I
nI2 h
DJ (gi ) X
DI (gi1 )
=M
DJ (gk ) M =
i
DI (gi1 )
= =
j
DI1 (gk gi )
=gj
DJ (gj ) X
DI (gj1 )
DI (gk ) DI (gk )
DJ (gi ) X DI (gi1 )
X =
=
i
=
i
c C choose X =
=
i
c=
1 nI
M =
DI (gi ) DI (gi1 ) DI (e ) =
h nI
qed
Characters
Equivalent IRs are related via a similarity transformation D (gi ) = X D(gi )X 1 with X nonsingular This transformation leaves the trace invariant: tr D (gi ) = tr D(gi ) The traces of the representation matrices are called characters (gi ) tr D(gi ) =
i
D(gi )
Theorem 5: If gi , gj G belong to the same class Ck of G , then for every representation I of G we have I (gi ) = I (gj )
Proof: gi , gj C x G with gi = x gj x 1
(trace invariant under cyclic permutation)
= tr DI (x 1 ) DI (x ) DI (gj ) = I (gk )
=1
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Characters (contd)
Notation I (Ck ) denotes the character of group elements in class Ck The array [I (Ck )] with I = 1, . . . , N k = 1, . . . , N is called character table. (N = number of IRs) = number of classes) (N
Remark: For Abelian groups the character table is the table of the 1 1 representation matrices
Theorem 6: Orthogonality relations for characters Let {DI (gi )} and {DJ (gi )} be two IRs of G . Let hk be the number of the number of classes. Then elements in class Ck and N N hk Proof: Use orthogonality I (Ck ) J (Ck ) = IJ I , J = 1, . . . , N relation for IRs h k =1 Interpretation:
I = I (C1 ) . . . I (CN ) I = 1, . . . , N
identity
P3 Koster 1 2 3
e E (1) (1)
1 0 0 1
a C3 (1) (1)
1 2
3 2 1 2
b = a2
2 C3
c = ec v (1) (1)
d = ac v (1) (1)
1 2 3 2 2 3
f = bc v (1) (1)
1 2 23
(1) (1)
1 2
2 3
23
23 1 2
1 0
0 1
1 2
e e a b c d f
a a b e f c d
b b e a d f c
c c d f e a b
d d f c b e a
f f c d a b e
rotoreection = 240
23 1 2
rotation = 240
rotation = 120
reection x x
(more later)
Dierent authors use dierent conventions to label IRs. To compare such notations we need to compare the uniquely dened characters for each class of an IR.
(See, e.g., Table 2.7 in Yu and Cardona: Fundamentals of Semiconductors; here we follow Koster et al.) Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
a1 . . . aN
D(gi )
. DN (gi )
Theorem 7: Let aI be the multiplicity, with which the IR I {DI (gi )} is contained in the representation {D(gi )}. Then
N
h i =1
(2) we have
J =1 N
aJ J (gi ) = (gi )
h
1 h
h
I (gi )
i =1
J =1
1 aJ h
i =1
1 I (gi ) J (gi ) = h
=IJ
I (gi ) (gi )
i =1
qed
|(gi )|2 = h
i =1
1 0
DR (gi ) =
1 0
1 if g g = gi otherwise
Thus for each group element gi we have DR (gi ) = 1, if the entry (, ) in the group multiplication table equals gi , otherwise we have DR (gi ) = 0.
Properties of {DR (gi )} (1) {DR (gi )} is, indeed, a representation for the group G (2) It is a faithful representation, i.e., {DR (gi )} is isomorphic to G = {gi }. h if gi = e (3) R (gi ) = 0 otherwise
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g = g gi g = g gj1
DR (gi ) DR (gj ) = 1 g = gi gj = gk
[denition of DR (gk ) ]
1 0
1 if gi = g g = e otherwise
DR (gi ) =
h 0
if gi = e otherwise
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 e= 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 c= 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 a= 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 d = 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
aI I (gi ) where R (e ) = nI
=h i
I (gi ) R (gi )
i
1 h
I (e )
=nI
Corollary: For a group G of order h, the dimensionalities nI of the IRs I obey nI2 = h
I
Theorem 8 (Burnsides Theorem): The representation matrices DI (gi ) of a group G of order h obey the completeness relation nI D (gi ) DI (gj ) = ij i , j = 1, . . . , h (*) h I I , Proof: Theorem 4: [DI (gi ) : i = 1, . . . , h] are orthonormal vectors in a h-dim. vector space completeness relation is (*) Corollary: we have h such vectors
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Interpretation:
1 (Ck ) . . I = . N (Ck )
k = 1, . . . , N
Character table
square table rows and column form orthogonal vectors
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
The sum over all representation matrices in a class of an IR is proportional to the identity matrix.
i Ck
DI (gi )
i Ck
DI (gi ) = ck 1 qed
ck =
1 tr nI
DI (gi ) =
i Ck
hk I (Ck ) nI
i Ck j Ck
nI h
DI (gj )
j Ck
= hk kk
i Ck
hk (Ck ) nI I
hk I (Ck ) nI
, = nI
(Lemma)
qed
I =1 ,
nI D (gi ) DI (gj ) = ij h I
i , j = 1, . . . , h
k =1
hk (Ck ) J (Ck ) = IJ h I
I , J = 1, . . . , N
I (Ck )I (Ck ) = kk
I =1
k , k = 1, . . . , N
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
Unreducible
hhh hhhh
Translated into the language of group theory: In the Hilbert space of the qm system we have a group of unitary (gi )} such that G is isomorphic to G . operators G = {P
Examples
translations Ta (Ta ) = exp (i p a/ ) unitary operator P ( p = momentum) 2 1 P (Ta ) (r) = 1 + a + ( a) + . . . (r) = (r + a)
2
Transformation of QM States
Let {| } be an orthonormal basis (gi ) be the symmetry operator for the symmetry transformation gi Let P with symmetry group G = {gi }. (gi ) | = Then P
(gi ) | | | P
D (gi )
1=
| |
So
(gi ) | = P
matrix of a unitary
D(gi ) |
Note: bras and kets transform according to complex conjugate representations (gi ) = |P | D(gi )
(gi ) | | P (gi ) | = | | P
D(gk ) |
1 |U P (gi ) U |
(gi ) | = |P with | =
U |
U | }
Invariant Subspaces
Denition: Let G = {gi } be a group of symmetry transformations. Let H = {| } be a Hilbert space with states | . A subspace S H is called invariant subspace (with respect to G ) if (gi ) | S P gi G , | S If an invariant subspace can be decomposed into smaller invariant subspaces, it is called reducible, otherwise it is called irreducible. Theorem 10: An invariant subspace S is irreducible if and only if the states in S transform according to an irreducible representation.
Proof: Suppose {D(gi )} is reducible. unitary transformation U with {D (gi ) = U 1 D(gi ) U } block diagonal For {D (gi )} we have the basis {| = U | } The block diagonal form of {D (gi )} implies that {| is reducible
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
Theorem 11: (1) States transforming according to dierent IRs are orthogonal (2) For states |I and |I transforming according to the same IR I we have I | I = I || I where the reduced matrix element I || I is independent of , . Remark: This theorem lets us anticipate the Wigner-Eckart theorem.
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
1 h
(gi ) (gi ) P P
i
(gi ) |J (gi ) P I | P
i
I |DI (gi )
DJ (gi )
|J
I |J
1 IJ n I
1 h
DI (gi ) DJ (gi )
(1/nI ) IJ
I |I
I || I
qed
DI (gi ) P (gi )
= I (gi )
Let | =
J
cJ |J
nI h
I | =
DI (gi )
i nI h
DJ (gi )
|J
=
J
cJ
DI (gi ) DJ (gi ) |J
i IJ
cI |I
I projects a general state | on the invariant subspace SI Thus: transforming according to the IR I = {DI (gi )}.
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
character table (e ) (x ) = (x ), P
(i ) (x ) = (x ) P
nI h
I = Projection operator 1 = 2 =
1 2 1 2
I (gi ) P (gi )
i 1 2 1 2
with nI = 1, h = 2
(e ) + P (i )] [P (e ) P (i )] [P
1 (x ) = 2 (x ) =
Product Representations
Let {I (x ) : = 1, . . . nI } and {J (x ) : = 1, . . . nJ } denote basis functions for the invariant subspaces SI and SJ . Consider the product functions {I (x ) J (x ) : = 1, . . . nI , = 1, . . . nJ }. How do these functions transform under G ? Denition: Let DI (g ) and DJ (g ) be representation matrices for g G . The direct product (Kronecker product) DI (g ) DJ (g ) denotes the matrix whose elements in row ( ) and column ( ) are given by [DI (g ) DJ (g )] , = DI (g ) DJ (g ) Example: Let DI (g ) = DI (g ) DJ (g ) =
x11 x12 x21 x22 , = 1, . . . , nI , = 1, . . . , nJ y11 y12 y21 y22 x11 y12 x11 y22 x12 y12 x12 y22
and DJ (g ) =
x11 y11 x11 y21 = x12 y11 x12 y21
Product Representations
Let I = {DI (gi )} and J = {DJ (gi )} be representations of G with characters I (gi ) and J (gi ). Then I J {DI (g ) DJ (g )} is a representation of G called product representation.
I J is, indeed, a representation: Let DI (gi ) DI (gj ) = DI (gk ) and DJ (gi ) DJ (gj ) = DJ (gk ) [DI (gi ) DJ (gi )] [DI (gj ) DJ (gj )] =
,
DJ (gk )
,
hk K (Ck ) I J (Ck ) k =1 h
=I (Ck ) J (Ck )
The multiplication table for the irreducible representations I of G IJ lists k aK K Example: Permutation group P3 1 2 3 e 1 1 2 a, b c , d , f 1 1 1 1 1 0 I J 1 2 3
I J 1 2 . . . 1 1 2 2 1
...
3 3 3 1 + 2 + 3
Discussion
Representation Vector Space The matrices {D(gi )} of an n-dimensional (reducible or irreducible) representation describe a linear mapping of a vector space V onto itself. u = (u1 , . . . , un ) V : u u V
D (gi )
with u =
D(gi ) u
Irreducible Representation (IR) Invariant Subspace The decomposition of a reducible representation into IRs I corresponds to a decomposition of the vector space V into invariant subspaces VI such that VI VI
DI (gi )
gi G
(i.e., no mixing)
This decomposition of V lets us break down a big physical problem into smaller, more tractable problems
Product Representation Product Space A product representation I J describes a linear mapping of the product space VI VJ onto itself VI VJ VI J
DI J (gi )
gi G
Discussion (contd)
Clebsch-Gordan Coecients
IJ The block diagonalization I J = K aK K corresponds to a decomposition of VI VJ into invariant subspaces VK
VI VJ
J old basis {eI e }
K =1
VK
Thus
eK =
IJ
I J K
where
I J K
Clebsch-Gordan coecients describe the unitary transformation for the decomposition of the product space VI VJ into invariant subspaces VK
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
I J K I J K
= KK =
=C = C
00 11 11 00 00 11
C C
11 00 00 11 00 11
11111 00000 00000 11111 00000 11111 00000 11111 00000 11111 IxJ 00000 11111 00000 11111 00000 11111 00000 11111
I J K
DK (gi )
I J K
(2)
DK (gi ) KK =
I J K
DI (gi ) DJ (gi )
I J K
Remark: Given the representation matrices {DI (gi )}, these formulas can be used to evaluate successively the Clebsch-Gordan coecients
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
11 1 11 1 13 3 1 33 3 1
12 2 11 1 1 0 0 1
22 1 11 1
=1 0 1 1 0 =
23 3 1
0 1/ 2 0 1/ 2
33 3 2
0 1/ 2 1/ 2 0
In our lecture, Clebsch-Gordan coecients have the same meaning as in the context of the rotation group: They describe the unitary transformation from the reducible product space to irreducible invariant subspaces. This unitary transformation depends only on (the IRs of) the symmetry group of the problem so that the CGC can be tabulated.
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
Symmetry of Observables
. Consider Hermitian operator (observable) O Let G = {gi } be a group of symmetry transformations (gi )} the group of unitary operators isomorphic to G . with {P (gi ) O (gi )1 = O (gi ), O P [P ] = 0 If P gi G . we call G the symmetry group of O
Of course, we want the largest G possible.
, i.e., O |n = n |n , Lemma: If |n is an eigenstate of O (gi ), O (gi ) |n is likewise an eigenstate of O ] = 0, then P and [P for the same eigenvalue n .
(gi ) |n need not be orthogonal to |n . As always P (gi ) |n ] = P (gi ) O (gi ) |n ] [P |n = n [P Proof: O
Most often: Sn is irreducible Identify d -fold degeneracy of n with d -dimensional IR of G . Under which cirumstances can Sn be reducible?
G does not include all symmetries realized in the system, i.e., G
G (hidden symmetry). Then Sn is an irreducible invariant subspace of G . Examples: hydrogen atom, m-dimensional harmonic oscillator (m > 1).
according to the IRs I Classify the eigenvalues and eigenstates of H . of the symmetry group G of H |I , = EI |I , Notation: H = 1, . . . , nI
: distinguish dierent levels transforming according to same I
|J , :
J = 1, . . . , N ; = 1 , . . . , nJ ; = 1, 2, . . .
J , |I , |J , =
I || I |I ,
see Theorem 11
Eect of Perturbations
=H 0 + H 1, Let H 0 = unperturbed Hamiltonian, H 1 = perturbation H 0 H H usually G G0
The unperturbed eigenkets {|n } transform according to IRs 0 I of G0 {0 I } are also representations of G , yet then reducible Every IR 0 I of G0 breaks down into (usually multiple) IRs {J } of G 0 I =
J
aJ J
(see Theorem 7)
P3
C3v
C3 1 2 3
2 E C3 C3 1 1 1 1 1 e 2i /3
Cs E i E E i i i E
C3 2 3 1 1
Cs E i 1 1 1 2 1 1
C 3v Cs 1 2 2 1
(Ir)Reducible Operators
requires Up to now: symmetry group of operator O (gi ) O (gi )1 = O P P gi G : = 1, . . . , n} with More general: A set of operators {Q (gi ) Q (gi )1 = P P
n
D(gi ) Q
=1
= 1, . . . , n gi G
} transform according to . We say: The operators {Q } will not transform Note: In general, the eigenstates of {Q according to .
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
is a scalar operator or invariant. We say: Q most important scalar operator: the Hamiltonian H i.e., H always transforms according to 1 is the largest symmetry group The symmetry group of H that leaves H invariant. momentum operator p = i x
= 1, 2, 3
x x x
= 1, 2, 3
Tensor Operators
I Let {Q : = 1, . . . , nI } J {Q : = 1, . . . , nJ } I J = 1 , . . . , nI Then Q Q : = 1, . . . , nJ representation I J transform according to transform according to I = {DI (gi )} J = {DJ (gi )}
A unitary transformation brings I J = {DI (gi ) DJ (gi )} into block-diagonal form J I The same transformation decomposes Q Q into irreducible tensor operators (use CGC)
Wigner-Eckart Theorem
Let {|I , : = 1, . . . , nI } {|I , : = 1, . . . , nI } J {Q : = 1, . . . , nJ } Then J I , |Q | I , = transform according to I = {DI (gi )} transform according to I = {DI (gi )} transform according to J = {DJ (gi )} J I I J || I I || Q is independent
J || I I || Q
transforms according to I J J I K |K ,
where = , I , J , ) (Q
J I , |Q | I , =
K ,
J I K
I , | K , I
K
Theorem 11
J || I I || Q
Thus:
Matrix elements for dierent values of , and have a xed ratio independent of Q If I is not contained in I J
J I I =0 , , , ,
Equivalent to: If J I does not I contain the identity representation
J I , |Q | I , = 0
|iI = initial state (with IR I ); |fJ = nal state (IR J ) e = (ex , ey , ez ) = polarization vector r = ( x, y , z ) = dipole operator ( position operator)
element
These results are independent of any microscopic models for the NH3 molecule!
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
axis z, angle
axis y, angle
axis z, angle
1 Thus R (, , ) = Ry ( ) Rz ( ) Ry ( ) Ry ( ) Rz ()
1 Rz () Ry ( ) Rz ()
=1
Thus R (, , ) = Rz () Ry ( ) Rz ( )
etc.
SO (3) = set of all rotation matrices R (, , ) = set of all orthogonal 3 3 matrices R with det R = +1. R (2, 0, 0) = R (0, 2, 0) = R (0, 0, 2 ) = 1 e
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
(axis n)
n = 1 cos(/2) i n sin(/2)
R(, , ) = Rz () Ry ( ) Rz ( ) = e i (+ )/2 cos(/2) e i ( )/2 sin(/2) e i ( )/2 sin(/2) e i (+ )/2 cos(/2) transformation matrix for spin 1/2 states SU (2) = set of all matrices R(, , ) = set of all unitary 2 2 matrices R with det R = +1. R(2, 0, 0) = R(0, 2, 0) = R(0, 0, 2 ) = 1 e R(4, 0, 0) = R(0, 4, 0) = R(0, 0, 4 ) = 1 = e
rotation by 2 is not identity rotation by 4 is identity
Every SO (3) matrix R (, , ) corresponds to two SU (2) matrices R(, , ) and R( + 2, , ) = R(, + 2, ) = R(, , + 2 ) =e R(, , ) = R(, , ) e SU (2) is called double group for SO (3)
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
Double Groups
Deniton: Double Group Let the group of spatial symmetry transformations of a system be G = {gi = R (i , i , i ) : i = 1, . . . , h} SO (3) Then the corresponding double group is Gd = {gi = R(i , i , i ) : i = 1, . . . , h} {gi = R(i + 2, i , i ) : i = 1, . . . , h} SU (2)
Thus with every element gi G we associate two elements gi and g i e gi = gi e Gd If the order of G is h, then the order of Gd is 2h. Note: G is not a subgroup of Gd because the elements of G are not a closed subset of Gd . Example: Let g = rotation by
in G : g 2 = e in Gd : g 2 = e
Yet: {e , e } is invariant subgroup of Gd and the factor group Gd /{e , e } is isomorphic to G . The IRs of G are also IRs of Gd
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
For 1 , 2 , and 3 the barred group elements have the same characters as the unbarred elements. Here the double group gives us the same IRs as the single group For other groups a class may contain both barred and unbarred group elements. the number of classes and IRs in the double group need not be twice the number of classes and IRs of the single group
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
H ] = 0 [,
(antilinear)
= UK is antiunitary operator
spin 1/2 systems: = i y K 2 = 1 are at least two-fold degenerate all eigenstates |n of H (Kramers degeneracy)
DI (gi ) |I
be time-reversal invariant: [H , ] = 0 Let H (gi )}) with is additional symmetry operator (beyond {P P (gi )] = 0 [, (gi ) |I = P (gi )|I = P
DI (gi ) |I =
|I DI (gi )
Character table C3 e q q2
time reversal
1 1 1 1 2 1 3 1
e 2i /3
a b b
IR 1 : no additional degeneracies because of time reversal IRs 2 and 3 : these complex IRs need to be combined two-fold degeneracy because of time reversal symmetry (though here no spin!)
Every lattice site Rn is occupied with one atom Example: 2D honeycomb lattice is not a Bravais lattice Lattice with basis:
Every lattice site Rn is occupied with z atoms Position of atoms relative to Rn :
i,
i = 1, . . . , z
These z atoms with relative positions i form a basis. Example: two neighboring atoms in 2D honeycomb lattice
Combinations of translation, rotation, and inversion general transformation for position vector r R3 : r = r + t {|t} r Notation {|t} includes also
Mirror reection = rotation by about axis perpendicular
Classication
Translation Group
Translation group = set of operations {1|Rn } {1|Rn } {1|Rn } = {1|Rn + 1 Rn } = {1|Rn +n } Abelian group associativity (trivial) identity element {1|0} = {1|R0 } inverse element {1|Rn }1 = {1| Rn } Translation group Abelian only one-dimensional IRs
Consider translations {1|a} a = T {1|a} is unitary operator Translation operator T eigenvalues have modulus 1 a | = e i | < eigenvalue equation T in na | = e more generally T | nZ representations D({1|Rna }) = e in
r a |
<
r a| = e i r |
Thus: Bloch Theorem (for = ka) The wave vector k (or = ka) labels the IRs of the translation group The wave functions transforming according to the IR k are Bloch functions r | = e ikr uk (r ) with e ik (r a) uk (r a) = e ikr uk (r )e ika or uk (r a) = uk (r )
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
Theory of Invariants
Idea:
Hamiltonian must be invariant under all symmetry transformations of the system Example: free particle 2 = Ekin = p H 2m
scalar
+ X + c4 p + H c1H p c2 X r X p 4 + . . .
not inversion symmetric breaks time reversal scalar
Crystalline solids: Ekin = E (k) = kinetic energy of Bloch electron with crystal momentum p = k dispersion E (k) must reect crystal symmetry E (k) = a0 + a1 k +a2 k 2 + a3 k 3 + . . .
only in crystals without inversion symmetry
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
Goal: Set up matrix Hamiltonian H(k) by exploiting the symmetry at expansion point k0 Incorporate also perturbations such as
Invariance Condition
Consider n n matrix Hamiltonian H(K) K = K (k, S, E , B, , . . .) = general tensor operator where k = wave vector E = electric eld S = spin B = magnetic eld = strain eld etc.
Basis functions { (r) : = 1, . . . , n} transform according to representation = {D(gi )} of group G . ( need not be irreducible) Symmetry transformation gi G applied to tensor K (gi ) K P (gi )1 K gi K P H(K) H(gi K) D(gi1 ) (r) Equivalent to inverse transformation gi1 applied to (r): (r) Thus H(K) (gi r) =
Invariant Expansion
Expand H(K) in terms of irreducible tensor operators and basis matrices Decompose tensors K into irreducible tensors KI transforming according to IR I of G
I I K gi K I DI (gi ) K
n2 linearly independent basis matrices {Xq : q = 1, . . . , n2 } transforming as Xq D(gi1 ) Xq D(gi ) = DX (gi )pq Xp
p
I DI (gi ) X
Then H(K) =
I
aI
I I X K
aI = expansion coecients
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
Transformations gi G :
I I X D(gi1 ) X D(gi ) = J K
I DI (gi ) X
DJ (gi )
J K
(must hold gi G !)
1 h
IJ b
DI (gi ) DJ (gi )
i IJ
I J X K
= IJ
II b aI
I X
I K
qed
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
I J K
I J K K
IJ If we have multiplicities aK >1 we get dierent tensor operators for each value
Irreducible tensor operators KI are universally valid for any matrix Hamiltonian transforming according to G Yet: if for a particular matrix Hamiltonian H(K) with basis functions transforming according to an IR I does not appear in , then the tensor operators KI may not appear in H(K).
Basis Matrices
In general, the basis functions { (r) : = 1, . . . , n} include several irreducible representations J Decompose H(K) into nJ nJ blocks HJJ (K), such that
rows transform according to IR J (dimension nJ ) columns transform according to IR J (dimension nJ )
c v v
k
I DJ (gi1 ) X DJ (gi ) =
I DI (gi ) X
More explicitly:
I (X ) =
I J J
HJJ (K) =
I
aI
I I X K
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
Example: Graphene
Electron states at K point: point group C3v Dirac cone: IR 3 of C3v We have 3 3 = 1 + 2 + 3
1 basis matrices X1 = 1; 2 X1 = y ;
strictly speaking D3h = C3v + inversion It must be 3 because this is the only 2D IR of C3v (with 3 = 3 )
3 3 X1 = z , X2 = x
no tensor with 2
H77
H99
H79
7 9 = 5 + 6
3 4 5
2 2 2 1; k2 x + ky ; {kx , 3ky kx }; kx Ex + ky Ey ; xx + yy ; ( yy xx )kx + 2 xy ky ; ( yy xx )Ex + 2 xy Ey ; sx Bx + sy By ; sz Bz ; (sx ky sy kx )E z ; sz (kx E y ky E x ); 2 2 {ky , 3kx ky }; Bz ; kx E y ky E x ; ( xx yy )ky + 2 xy ky ; ( xx + yy )Bz ; ( xx yy )E y + 2 xy E x ; sz ; sx By sy Bx ; (sx kx + sy ky )Ez ; sz ( xx + yy ); Bx kx + By ky ; Ex Bx + Ey By ; Ez Bz ; ( yy xx )Bx + 2 xy By ; sx kx + sy ky ; sx Ex + sy Ey ; sz Ez ; sx ( yy xx ) + 2sy xy Bx ky By kx ; Ez ; Ex By Ey Bx ; ( xx yy )By + 2 xy Bx ; ( xx + yy )Ez ; sx ky sy kx ; sx Ey sy Ex ; sy ( xx yy ) + 2sx xy Bx , By ; By ky Bx kx , Bx ky + By kx ; ky Ez , kx Ez ; Ey By Ex Bx , Ey Bx + Ex By ; ( xx + yy )(Bx , By ); ( xx yy )Bx + 2 xy By , ( yy xx )By + 2 xy Bx ; 2 xy Ez , ( xx yy )Ez ; sx , sy ; sy ky sx kx , sx ky + sy kx ; sy Bz , sx Bz ; sz By , sz Bx ; sy Ey sx Ex , sx Ey + sy Ex ; (sx , sy )( xx + yy ); sx ( xx yy ) 2sy xy , sy ( yy xx ) 2sxRoland xy Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
Dirac term nonlinear + anisotropic + + 1+ + 2kx ky y ] corrections + a22 (kx Ey ky Ex )z orbital Rashba term +a21 Bz z orbital Zeeman term + a14 ( xx + yy )1 + a66 [( yy xx )x + 2 xy y ] strain-induced terms +a15 [( yy xx )kx + 2 xy ky ]1 isotropic velocity +a67 ( xx + yy )(kx x + ky y ) renormalization a68 {[( xx yy )kx + 2 xy ky ]x anisotropic velocity renormalization +[( yy xx )ky + 2 xy kx ]y } strain - orbital Zeeman +a23 ( xx + yy )Bz z strain - orbital Rashba +a24 [( xx yy )Ey + 2 xy Ex ]z + a21 sz z intrinsic SO coupling + a61 sz (Ey x Ex y ) + a62 Ez (sy x sx y ) Rashba SO coupling +a63 sz [(kx Ey + ky Ex )x + (kx Ex ky Ey )y ] +a64 Ez [(sx ky + sy kx )x + (sx kx sy ky )y ] +a11 (sx ky sy kx )Ez + a12 sz (kx Ey ky Ex ) + a26 ( xx + yy )sz z strain-mediated SO coupling
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
group subgroup group elements indeces labeling group elements unit element (= identity element) of a group order of a group (= number of group elements) classes of a group number of group elements in class Ck number of classes matrix representation for group element gi (irreducible) representation indeces labeling irreducible representations number of irreducible representations indeces labeling the elements of representation matrices D dimensionality of irreducible representation I character of representation matrix for group element gi multiplicity with which K is contained in I J Hilbert space invariant subspace (IR I ) we may have multiple irreducible invariant subspaces SI for one IR I unitary operator that realizes the symmetry element gi in the Hilbert space irreducible representation
Roland Winkler, NIU, Argonne, and NCTU 2011
Symbols