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Unit quaternion

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2020 Mathematics Subject Classification: Primary: 11R52 [MSN][ZBL]

A quaternion with norm 1, that is, $xi + yj + zk + t$ with $x^2+y^2+z^2+t^2 = 1$.

The real unit quaternions form a group isomorphic to the special unitary group $\mathrm{SU}_2$ over the complex numbers, and to the spin group $\mathrm{Sp}_3$. They double cover the rotation group $\mathrm{SO}_3$ with kernel $\pm 1$ (cf. rotations diagram).

The finite subgroups of the unit quaternions are given by group presentations $$ A^p = B^q = (AB)^2 $$ with $1/p + 1/q > 1/2$, denoted $\langle p,q,2 \rangle$. They are


References

[1] H.S.M. Coxeter, "Regular complex polytopes" , Cambridge Univ. Press (1991) Zbl 0732.51002
How to Cite This Entry:
Unit quaternion. Encyclopedia of Mathematics. URL: http://encyclopediaofmath.org/index.php?title=Unit_quaternion&oldid=51416