Convention: fundamental vector field uses the right action
The fundamental vector field X-sharp is defined by differentiating the right action p·exp(tX).
Let be a principal G-bundle with the right action as in the right-action convention. Let be the Lie algebra of .
Convention
For , the fundamental vector field (also called the infinitesimal generator) is the vector field defined by
With this convention:
- is vertical and .
- The connection 1-form satisfies .
- Right translation behaves by .
This fixes sign conventions in identities involving Lie brackets of fundamental fields and in the structure equations for connections and curvature.
Examples
- Trivial bundle. If with right action , then at one has i.e. the fundamental field points purely along the -factor.
- Right-invariant fields on . On viewed as a principal -bundle over a point with right action by right multiplication, is precisely the right-invariant vector field generated by .
- Sign comparison with a left action. If one instead defined fundamental fields using a left action , the resulting infinitesimal generator differs by a sign in formulas relating brackets and the adjoint action; the present convention avoids that mismatch for principal bundles written with right actions.