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Tensor[NullVector] - construct a null vector from a solder form and a rank 1 spinor
Calling Sequences
NullVector(sigmaphi)
NullVector(sigmaphipsi)
Parameters
sigma - a spin-tensor defining a solder form on a 4-dimensional spacetime
phi, psi - rank 1 spinors
Description
Let be a metric on a 4-dimensional manifold with signature A null vector satisfies
Let be a solder form for the metricthat is, is a rank 3 spin-tensor such that The NullVector command accepts, as its first argument, a solder form with either covariant or contravariant tensor and spinor indices.
With two arguments, the NullVector command returns the real vector with components
• With three arguments, the NullVector command returns the (complex) vector with components
This command is part of the DifferentialGeometry:-Tensor package, and so can be used in the form NullVector(...) only after executing the commands with(DifferentialGeometry); with(Tensor) in that order. It can always be used in the long form DifferentialGeometry:-Tensor:-NullVector.
Examples
Example 1.
First create the spinor bundle with spacetime coordinates and fiber coordinates .
Define a spacetime metric on with signature .
Define an orthonormal tetrad on with respect to the metric Use the command SolderForm to create a solder form .
Define rank 1 spinors and
Use the command NullVector to find the corrresponding null vectors .
We can use the command TensorInnerProduct to check that the vectors are indeed null vectors.
See Also
DifferentialGeometry, Tensor, NullTetrad, PrincipalNullDirections, SolderForm, TensorInnerProduct
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