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Algebraic and Geometric Structures in Special Relativity

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Special Relativity

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Physics ((LNP,volume 702))

Abstract

I review, on an advanced level, some of the algebraic and geometric structures that underlie the theory of Special Relativity. This includes a discussion of relativity as a symmetry principle, derivations of the Lorentz group, its composition law, its Lie algebra, comparison with the Galilei group, Einstein synchronization, the lattice of causally and chronologically complete regions in Minkowski space, rigid motion, and the geometry of rotating reference frames. Representation-theoretic aspects of the Lorentz group are not included. A series of appendices present some related mathematical material.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physikalisches Institut der Universität Freiburg Hermann–Herder–Straße 3, Freiburg, 79104, Germany

    D. Giulini

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  1. D. Giulini
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Albert-Einstein-Institut MPl Gravitationsphysik, Am Mühlenberg 1, Golm, 14476, Germany

    Jürgen Ehlers

  2. ZARM, Universität Bremen Am Fallturm, Bremen, 28359, Germany

    Claus Lämmerzahl

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Giulini, D. (2006). Algebraic and Geometric Structures in Special Relativity. In: Ehlers, J., Lämmerzahl, C. (eds) Special Relativity. Lecture Notes in Physics, vol 702. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg . https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-34523-X_4

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