Geometric (Clifford) algebra and its applications

In this Master of Science Thesis I introduce geometric algebra both from the traditional geometric setting of vector spaces, and also from a more combinatorial view which simplifies common relations and operations. This view enables us to define Clifford algebras with scalars in arbitrary rings and provides new suggestions for an infinite-dimensional approach. Furthermore, I give a quick review of classic results regarding geometric algebras, such as their classification in terms of matrix algebras, the connection to orthogonal and Spin groups, and their representation theory. A number of lower-dimensional examples are worked out in a systematic way using so called norm functions, while general applications of representation theory include normed division algebras and vector fields on spheres. I also consider examples in relativistic physics, where reformulations in terms of geometric algebra give rise to both computational and conceptual simplifications. ∗Corrected May 2, 2006.