Coordinate transformation of a tensor in 2 dimensions

In summary, when given a symmetric tensor T_{\mu\nu} on the flat Euclidean plane (g_{\mu\nu}=\delta_{\mu\nu}) and wanting to change to complex coordinates z=x+iy, \,\overline{z}=x-iy, the components of the tensor in this basis are given by:T_{zz}=\frac{1}{4}(T_{00}-2iT_{10}-T_{11}),\, T_{\overline{z}\overline{z}}=\frac{1}{4}(T_{00}+2iT_{10}-T_{11}),\, T_{\overline{z}z}=T_{z\over
  • #1
physicus
55
3

Homework Statement


Given a symmetric tensor [itex]T_{\mu\nu}[/itex] on the flat Euclidean plane ([itex]g_{\mu\nu}=\delta_{\mu\nu}[/itex]), we want to change to complex coordinates [itex]z=x+iy, \,\overline{z}=x-iy[/itex].
Show, that the components of the tensor in this basis are given by:
[itex]T_{zz}=\frac{1}{4}(T_{00}-2iT_{10}-T_{11}),\, T_{\overline{z}\overline{z}}=\frac{1}{4}(T_{00}+2iT_{10}-T_{11}),\, T_{\overline{z}z}=T_{z\overline{z}}=\frac{1}{4}(T_{00}+T_{11})[/itex]


Homework Equations


[itex]T_{\mu\nu}=T_{\nu\mu}[/itex]
[itex]T'_{\alpha\beta} = U_{\alpha}{}^{\mu}U_{\beta}{}^{\nu}T_{\mu\nu}[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


In priciple, this should be an easy linear algebra problem. I just don't get the right result.
I use [itex]T'[/itex]for the tensor in the new coordinates. Then, there should be a transformation matrix [itex]U[/itex], s.t.
[itex]T'_{\alpha\beta} = U_{\alpha}{}^{\mu}U_{\beta}{}^{\nu}T_{\mu\nu}[/itex]
But what is [itex]U[/itex]? Neiter with the transformation matrix from the new to the old coordinates [itex]\begin{pmatrix}1 & 1 \\ i & -i\end{pmatrix}[/itex] nor with the transformation matrix from the old to the new coordinates [itex]\begin{pmatrix}\frac{1}{2} & \frac{-i}{2} \\ \frac{1}{2} & \frac{i}{2} \end{pmatrix}[/itex] it is working. What am I doing wrong?

physicus
 
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  • #2
It's difficult to say without seeing the calculation. You do remember that there are two transformation matrices, right? (one for each index)
 
  • #3
Thanks, but I still get a wrong result.

The matrix [itex]U = \begin{pmatrix}\frac{1}{2} & \frac{-i}{2} \\ \frac{1}{2} & \frac{i}{2} \end{pmatrix}[/itex] transforms from the old basis [itex]x,y[/itex] to the new basis [itex]z=x+iy, \overline{z}=x-iy[/itex].
The original metrix is [itex]g_{\mu\nu}=\delta_{\mu\nu}[/itex]. The transformed metric is [itex]g'_{\mu\nu}=\begin{pmatrix} 0 & \frac{1}{2} \\ \frac{1}{2} & 0 \end{pmatrix}[/itex]
Therefore, the tensor in the new basis is given by
[itex]T'^{\alpha}{}_\beta = U^{\alpha}{}_\mu T^{\mu}{}_\nu (U^{-1})^\nu{}_\beta = \begin{pmatrix}\frac{1}{2}T^0{}_0+\frac{1}{2}T^1{}_1 & \frac{1}{2}T^0{}_0-\frac{i}{2}T^0{}_1- {\frac{i}{2}}T^1{}_0-T^1{}_1 \\ \frac{1}{2}T^0{}_0+ \frac{i}{2}T^0{}_1+ \frac{i}{2}T^1{}_0-T^1{}_1 & \frac{1}{2}T^0{}_0+\frac{1}{2}T^1{}_1 \end{pmatrix}[/itex]

Now, I use the metric to lower the indices. Since the original metric ist Euclidean one can simply lower the indices of [itex]T[/itex]without further factors, but not for [itex]T'[/itex].
[itex] T'_{00}=g'_{00}T'^0{}_0+g'_{01}T'^1{}_0 = \frac{1}{2}T'^1{}_0 = \frac{1}{2}(\frac{1}{2}T_{00}+ \frac{i}{2}T_{01}+ \frac{i}{2}T_{10}-T_{11}) = \frac{1}{4}(T_{00}+2iT_{10}-T_{11}) [/itex]
I have used the symmetry of [itex]T_{\mu\nu}[/itex].
The plus sign in the middle of the expression is noch correct. Does someone see my mistake?

physicus
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Coordinate transformation of a tensor in 2 dimensions

What is a coordinate transformation of a tensor in 2 dimensions?

A coordinate transformation of a tensor in 2 dimensions is a mathematical operation that changes the basis of a tensor from one coordinate system to another. This allows for the representation of the same tensor in different coordinate systems.

What is the purpose of a coordinate transformation of a tensor in 2 dimensions?

The purpose of a coordinate transformation of a tensor in 2 dimensions is to simplify the representation of a tensor in a different coordinate system. This is useful in many scientific and engineering applications, such as fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, and solid mechanics.

How is a coordinate transformation of a tensor in 2 dimensions performed?

A coordinate transformation of a tensor in 2 dimensions is performed by multiplying the tensor with a transformation matrix that maps the coordinates from one system to another. This transformation matrix is usually a combination of rotation, scaling, and shearing matrices.

What are the properties of a tensor under a coordinate transformation in 2 dimensions?

Under a coordinate transformation in 2 dimensions, a tensor retains its rank and dimensionality, but its components change. The transformation matrix used to perform the transformation determines how the components of the tensor change.

How is the inverse coordinate transformation of a tensor in 2 dimensions calculated?

The inverse coordinate transformation of a tensor in 2 dimensions can be calculated by taking the inverse of the transformation matrix used to perform the original transformation. This will map the tensor back to its original coordinate system.

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