Metrics and conformal transformations

In summary, the conversation discussed the concept of conformal field theory and its transformations. It was mentioned that in a conformal transformation, the metric must satisfy a certain condition. From this, it was explained that we can derive another condition using the metric, but there was a query about using the metric in different coordinate systems.
  • #1
FuzzySphere
13
2
Conformal field theory is way over my head at the moment, but I decided to "dip my toes into it," and I watched a little video talking about conformal transformations. Now, I know that in a conformal transformation, $$x^\mu \to x'^\mu ,$$ the metric must satisfy $$\Lambda (x) g_{\mu \nu} = g_{\rho \sigma} \frac {\partial x'^\rho}{\partial x^\mu} \frac {\partial x'^\sigma}{\partial x^\nu}.$$ From this I have been informed that we can derive the condition $$dx'^\mu dx'_\mu = \Lambda (x) dx^\mu dx_\mu .$$ I have tried using the condition on the metric to derive this, only to get to this condition: $$g_{\mu \nu} dx'^\mu dx'^\nu = \Lambda g_{\mu \nu} dx^\mu dx ^\nu ,$$ but I have one query: can we use the metric $$g_{\mu \nu}$$ in the $$x^\mu$$ coordinates to lower the indices of $$dx'^\mu ,$$ seeing as they are from a different coordinate system?
 
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  • #2
FuzzySphere said:
the metric must satisfy Λ(x)gμν=gρσ∂x′ρ∂xμ∂x′σ∂xν.
I observe ' and without ' are upside down.
[tex]\Lambda g_{\mu\nu}=g'_{\mu\nu}=g_{\rho\sigma} \ (\partial x^{\rho}/\partial x'^{\mu}) \ ( \partial x^{\sigma}/ \partial x'^{\nu})[/tex]
 
  • #3
anuttarasammyak said:
I observe ' and without ' are upside down.
[tex]\Lambda g_{\mu\nu}=g'_{\mu\nu}=g_{\rho\sigma} \ (\partial x^{\rho}/\partial x'^{\mu}) \ ( \partial x^{\sigma}/ \partial x'^{\nu})[/tex]
No, that is the transformation law for the metric, what I have is the coordinate representation of the pull back of the metric by the conformal transformation.
 

FAQ: Metrics and conformal transformations

What is a metric in the context of differential geometry?

A metric in differential geometry is a function that defines the distance between two points in a given space. It is a type of tensor that provides a way to measure lengths and angles in a manifold, allowing for the generalization of geometric concepts from Euclidean space to more complex, curved spaces.

What is a conformal transformation?

A conformal transformation is a type of mapping between spaces that preserves angles but not necessarily lengths. In other words, it preserves the shape of infinitesimally small figures but can change their size. Conformal transformations are often used in complex analysis and theoretical physics, particularly in the study of spacetime and string theory.

How does a conformal transformation affect the metric?

Under a conformal transformation, the metric tensor is scaled by a positive function. Specifically, if \( g \) is the original metric tensor and \( \Omega \) is a positive, smooth function, the transformed metric \( \tilde{g} \) is given by \( \tilde{g} = \Omega^2 g \). This means that while the angles between vectors are preserved, the lengths are scaled by the factor \( \Omega \).

Why are conformal transformations important in physics?

Conformal transformations are important in physics because they simplify the equations governing physical laws in certain contexts, particularly in theories of gravitation and quantum field theory. For example, in general relativity, conformal transformations can be used to study the structure of spacetime near singularities. In string theory, conformal symmetry plays a crucial role in the formulation of the theory.

Can you provide an example of a conformal transformation?

An example of a conformal transformation is the stereographic projection, which maps a sphere onto a plane. This transformation preserves angles but distorts sizes. Mathematically, if we consider a point on the sphere represented by coordinates \( (x, y, z) \), its stereographic projection onto the plane \( z = 0 \) can be given by \( (X, Y) = \left(\frac{x}{1 - z}, \frac{y}{1 - z}\right) \). This transformation is widely used in complex analysis and cartography.

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