World’s top mathematicians in Ghent this week
Some 150 specialists in Clifford algebra are at Ghent University this week to discuss the branch of mathematics’ applications in robotics, medical imaging and other fields
Turning algebra on its ear
Clifford algebra is a specific branch of mathematics, with applications in a variety of fields. It is receiving increasingly more recognition in the academic world.
“Clifford algebra focuses on mathematical structures in which multiplications are not commutative,” explained UGent professor Hennie De Schepper, who organised the conference.
In Clifford algebra, 2x3 is not the same as 3x2; the multiplications have different results. “That makes these mathematical structures very suitable for certain applications in theoretical physics,” said De Schepper.
The international conference deals with pure mathematics but also with the work of experts examining more practical applications. “Clifford algebra has already proven its usefulness in the robotics field, and there are also many applications in medical imaging,” said De Schepper.
The branch of mathematics is also used to tackle problems in electrical engineering, geographic information systems, virtual reality and 3D camera optics.
