On the group generated by $\mathbf C$, $\mathbf{P}$ and $\mathbf T$: $\mathbf {I^2 = T^2 = P^2 = I T P= -1}$, with applications to pseudo-scalar mesons

TL;DR

This paper explores the mathematical structure of discrete Lorentz symmetry operations involving parity, time reversal, and charge conjugation, revealing their group properties and implications for neutral pseudo-scalar mesons in particle physics.

Contribution

It characterizes the groups generated by parity, time reversal, and charge conjugation with rational phase assumptions, identifying the quaternion group as the unique structure under certain conditions.

Findings

The group generated by P and T is a quaternion group when C commutes with them.

Neutral pseudo-scalar mesons can be eigenstates of C, P, and T symmetries.

T-parity is potentially observable in experiments, consistent with CPT theorem.

Abstract

We study faithful representations of the discrete Lorentz symmetry operations of parity $\mathbf P$ and time reversal $\mathbf T$, which involve complex phases when acting on fermions. If the phase of $\mathbf P$ is a rational multiple of $\pi$ then $\mathbf P^{2 n}=1$ for some positive integer $n$ and it is shown that, when this is the case, $\mathbf P$ and $\mathbf T$ generate a discrete group, a dicyclic group (also known as a generalised quaternion group) which are generalisations of the dihedral groups familiar from crystallography. Charge conjugation $\mathbf C$ introduces another complex phase and, again assuming rational multiples of $\pi$ for complex phases, $\mathbf T \mathbf C$ generates a cyclic group of order $2 m$ for some positive integer $m$.There is thus a doubly infinite series of possible finite groups labelled by $n$ and $m$. Demanding that $\mathbf C$ commutes with $\mathbf P$ and $\mathbf T$ forces $n=m=2$ and the group generated by $\mathbf P$ and $\mathbf T$ is uniquely determined to be the quaternion group. Neutral pseudo-scalar mesons can be simultaneous $\mathbf C$ and $\mathbf P$ eigenstates. $\mathbf T$ commutes with $\mathbf P$ and $\mathbf C$ when acting on fermion bi-linears so neutral pseudo-scalar mesons can also be $\mathbf T$ eigenstates. The $\mathbf T$-parity should therefore be experimentally observable and the $\mathbf{CPT}$ theorem dictates that $T= C P$.