Group Theory in Subnuclear Physics

Abstract This book is a useful and accessible introduction to symmetry principles in particle physics. New ideas are explained in a way that throws considerable light on difficult concepts, such as Lie groups and their representations. This book begins with introductions both to the types of symmetries known in physics and to group theory and representation theory. Successive chapters deal with the symmetric groups and their Young diagrams, braid groups, Lie groups and algebras, Cartan's classification of semi-simple groups, and the Lie groups most used in physics are treated in detail. Gauge groups are discussed, and applications to elementary particle physics and multiquark systems introduced throughout the book where appropriate. Many worked examples are also included. There is a growing interest in the quatk structure of hadrons and in theories of particle interactions based on the principle of gauge symmetries. In this book the concepts of group theory are clearly explained and their applications to sub-nuclear physics brought up-to-date.