Matrix Elements of the Octet Operator of SU3

Abstract

All the nonvanishing matrix elements of all the components of the tensor operator which belongs to the regular representation (the octet) of SU₃ have been evaluated. Of special interest is the component Y, for it is usual in the broken unitary symmetry theory of strong interactions to assume that the interactions which break exact SU₃ invariance have the same transformation properties as Y. Previously, matrix elements of Y connecting states of the same irreducible representation of SU₃ have been given by Okubo in the form of the mass formula. Knowledge of all the matrix elements of Y is essential however if one is to do more than evaluate one‐particle matrix elements in the broken unitary symmetry theory. Our method provides such knowledge for all components of the octet tensor operator with little more effort than is needed to treat Y alone.