On the Finite Transformations of SU(3)

Abstract

The finite transformations in an arbitrary irreducible representation of the SU(3) group are obtained by considering the reduced matrix elements of the operator e^−iνλ₄. The special case of ν = ½π is also worked out and shown to be in agreement with earlier derivations. Symmetry properties and addition theorems for the resulting matrix elements are explicitly stated. As a useful application of the method, the finite transformations of the Weyl subgroup on the basis vectors of an arbitrary irreducible representation of SU(3) are also given.