A series of algebras generalizing the octonions and Hurwitz-Radon identity (Q635837): Difference between revisions

Given a group \(G\) and a field \(F\), the multiplication in the group algebra \(F[G]\) can be `twisted' by means of any map \(f:G\times G\rightarrow F\): \(u_x*u_y=f(x,y)u_{xy}\) for any \(x,y\in G\), where \(\{u_x:x\in G\}\) is the natural basis of \(F[G]\). Some interesting algebras can be obtained in this way, like the octonions [\textit{H. Albuquerque} and \textit{S. Majid}, J. Algebra 220, No. 1, 188--224 (1999; Zbl 0999.17006)], and Clifford algebras [J. Pure Appl. Algebra 171, No. 2-3, 133--148 (2002; Zbl 1054.15024), or the exceptional simple Jordan algebra \textit{R. L. Griess} jun. [J. Algebra 131, No. 1, 281--293 (1990; Zbl 0718.17028)]. The paper under review is devoted to a class of nonassociative algebras obtained as twisted group algebras of \({\mathbb Z}_2^n\) with cubic twisting functions (where \({\mathbb Z}_2^n\) is considered as a vector space over \({\mathbb Z}_2\)). A series of algebras is constructed that extend the classical algebra of octonions in the same way as the Clifford algebras extend the algebra of quaternions. Two applications of these algebras are presented. The first one is about explicit Hurwitz-Radon square identities: \((a_1^2+\cdots +a_N^2)(b_1^2+\cdots+b_{\rho(N)}^2)=c_1^2+\cdots +c_N^2\), with the \(c_k's\) being bilinear expressions in the \(a_i\)'s and \(b_j\)'s. The second application deals with some Moufang loops and, in particular, with code loops.