Dividing Space According To A Lattice
A typical lattice Λ in thus has the form
where {v1, ..., vn} is a basis for . Different bases can generate the same lattice, but the absolute value of the determinant of the vectors vi is uniquely determined by Λ, and is denoted by d(Λ). If one thinks of a lattice as dividing the whole of into equal polyhedra (copies of an n-dimensional parallelepiped, known as the fundamental region of the lattice), then d(Λ) is equal to the n-dimensional volume of this polyhedron. This is why d(Λ) is sometimes called the covolume of the lattice.
Read more about this topic: Lattice (group)
Famous quotes containing the words dividing and/or space:
“If you stand right fronting and face to face to a fact, you will see the sun glimmer on both its surfaces, as if it were a cimeter, and feel its sweet edge dividing you through the heart and marrow, and so you will happily conclude your mortal career. Be it life or death, we crave only reality. If we are really dying, let us hear the rattle in our throats and feel cold in the extremities; if we are alive, let us go about our business.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Why not a space flower? Why do we always expect metal ships?”
—W.D. Richter (b. 1945)