SU(3) Lie algebra
= SU(3) Lie algebra
{c}
{title2=$\mathfrak{su}(3)$}
The compact real <Lie algebra> $\mathfrak{su}(3)$ consists of traceless anti-Hermitian $3\times3$ matrices. Physicists often specify Hermitian generators $t_a$ instead, so the genuine <Lie algebra> elements are $it_a$. The compact real algebra and its complexification $\mathfrak{sl}_3(\mathbb C)$ should be distinguished.