Complex structure of a real Clifford algebra

Abstract: The classification of real Clifford algebras in terms of matrix algebras is well--known. Here we consider the real Clifford algebra

m a t h c a l C l (r, s)

not as a matrix algebra, but as a Clifford module over itself. We show that

m a t h c a l C l (r, s)

possesses a basis independent complex structure only when the square of the volume element

o m e g a

is -1, in which case it is uniquely given up to sign by right multiplication with

o m e g a

.

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