Finite Transformations and Basis States of SU(n)

Abstract

A convenient parameterization for finite transformations of SU(n) is developed which explicitly exhibits the special unitary subgroups. This is also used to parameterize the defining space. Higher‐dimensional representations are discussed. The question of which representations carry the trivial representation of SU(n − 1) is considered, as well as the parameterization of these states. Application is made to the transformations and basis states of SU(3).