An Introduction to Clifford Algebras and Spinors

This text explores how Clifford algebras and spinors have been sparking a collaboration and bridging a gap between Physics and Mathematics. This collaboration has been the consequence of a growing awareness of the importance of algebraic and geometric properties in many physical phenomena, and of the discovery of common ground through various touch points: relating Clifford algebras and the arising geometry to so-called spinors, and to their three definitions (both
from the mathematical and physical viewpoint). The main point of contact are the representations of Clifford algebras and the periodicity theorems. Clifford algebras also constitute a highly intuitive formalism, having an intimate relationship to quantum field theory. The text strives to seamlessly combine these various viewpoints and is devoted to a wider audience of both physicists and mathematicians.Among the existing approaches to Clifford algebras and spinors this book is unique in that it provides a didactical presentation of the topic and is accessible to both students and researchers. It emphasizes the formal character and the deep algebraic and geometric
completeness, and merges them with the physical applications. The style is clear and precise, but not pedantic. The sole pre-requisites is a course in Linear Algebra which most students of Physics,
Mathematics or Engineering will have covered as part of their undergraduate studies.

Author Biography

Jayme Vaz, Jr.: B. Sc. (1987) and M. Sc. (1990) degrees in Physics from University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil, Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics (1993) and Habilitation in Mathematical Physics (1999) degrees from University of Campinas (Unicamp), Brazil. Since 1995, member of the academic staff of the Department of Applied Mathematics of the Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Scientific Computations (IMECC) of Unicamp. Formerly director of IMECC (from 2006
to 2010). Research interests cover the area of Mathematical Physics, especially Clifford Algebras and their applications. Associate Editor of the journal Advances in Applied Clifford Algebras. Roldão da
Rocha, Jr.: Bachelor in Physics and Mathematics (1998), M.Sc. in Mathematics (2000) and Ph.D. in Physics (2005) at Campinas State University, Brazil. Post-Doctoral studies in the Theoretical Physics Institute, São Paulo, 2006-2007. Associate Professor at the Center of Mathematics of ABC Federal University, Brazil, wherein he has been working since 2007. In 2014 he spent the sabbatical year at the International School for Advanced Studied (SISSA), Trieste, Italy. Author of around 100
papers, on Mathematical-Physics, Gravity and Field Theory.