Irreducible fourth-rank Cartesian tensors

Abstract

The complete reduction of a fourth-rank Cartesian tensor into parts wich are irreducible under the three-dimensional rotation group is presented. Results are given for the general case of a tensor without index permutational symmetry, and also for tensors with specific index symmetry properties. Applications in the realm of crystal physics are indicated with particular reference to four-photon absorption, and a table of irreducible tensor representations is provided for the seven crystal classes.