Algebraic realisation of three fermion generations with $S_3$ family and unbroken gauge symmetry from $\mathbb{C}\ell(8)$

Abstract

Building on previous work, we extend an algebraic realisation of three fermion generations within the complex Clifford algebra $\mathbb{C}\ell(8)$ by incorporating a $U(1)_{em}$ gauge symmetry. The algebra $\mathbb{C}\ell(8)$ corresponds to the algebra of complex linear maps from the (complexification of the) Cayley-Dickson algebra of sedenions, $\mathbb{S}$, to itself. Previous work represented three generations of fermions with $SU(3)_C$ colour symmetry permuted by an $S_3$ symmetry of order-three, but failed to include a $U(1)$ generator that assigns the correct electric charge to all states. Furthermore, the three generations suffered from a degree of linear dependence between states. By generalising the embedding of the discrete group $S_3$, corresponding to automorphisms of $\mathbb{S}$, into $\mathbb{C}\ell(8)$, we include an $S_3$-invariant $U(1)$ that correctly assigns electric charge. First-generation states are represented in terms of two even $\mathbb{C}\ell(8)$ semi-spinors, obtained from two minimal left ideals, related to each other via the order-two $S_3$ symmetry. The remaining two generations are obtained by applying the $S_3$ symmetry of order-three to the first generation. In this model, the gauge symmetries, $SU(3)_C\times U(1)_{em}$, are $S_3$-invariant and preserve the semi-spinors. As a result of the generalised embedding of the $S_3$ automorphisms of $\mathbb{S}$ into $\mathbb{C}\ell(8)$, the three generations are now linearly independent.