Special Unitary Group
The Special Unitary Group, often denoted as SU(n), is a mathematical concept in the field of group theory, which is a branch of abstract algebra. It consists of all n x n unitary matrices with a determinant of 1. These matrices preserve the inner product in complex vector spaces, making them essential in various areas of physics and mathematics, particularly in quantum mechanics.
SU(n) groups are important in the study of symmetries and transformations. They play a crucial role in the standard model of particle physics, where they describe the symmetries of fundamental forces. Understanding these groups helps physicists analyze the behavior of particles and their interactions.