Octonion generalization of Pauli and Dirac matrices

Abstract

Starting with octonion algebra and its 4 × 4 matrix representation, we have made an attempt to write the extension of Pauli's matrices in terms of division algebra (octonion). The octonion generalization of Pauli's matrices shows the counterpart of Pauli's spin and isospin matrices. In this paper, we also have obtained the relationship between Clifford algebras and the division algebras, i.e. a relation between octonion basis elements with Dirac (gamma), Weyl and Majorana representations. The division algebra structure leads to nice representations of the corresponding Clifford algebras. We have made an attempt to investigate the octonion formulation of Dirac wave equations, conserved current and weak isospin in simple, compact, consistent and manifestly covariant manner.