If $G$ is a Lie subgroup of $GL(n,\mathbb{C})$, then its Lie algebra is a subalgebra of $\mathfrak{gl}(n,\mathbb{C})$.

differential-geometrylie-algebraslie-groups

This fact basically tells us that all matrix Lie groups which are subgroups of $GL(n,\mathbb{C})$ have Lie algebras associated to them spanned by special sets of matrices where the Lie bracket is just the commutator.

It is clear that the matrix Lie groups are closed subgroups of $GL(n,\mathbb{C})$ and thus submanifolds. The differential of the inclusion
$$(d \iota)_e : T_e (G) \to T_e (GL(n,\mathbb{C}))$$
is an inclusion of the tangent spaces in this case. Thus, $T_e (G) $ is definitely a vector subspace of $ T_e (GL(n,\mathbb{C}))$.

However, I am not sure how to tackle bracket. I understand that it could in principle be that $\mathfrak{gl}(n,\mathbb{C})$ is closed under the commutator as the bracket while smaller subspaces of it aren't.
Please help me in showing the vector subspaces are indeed all closed under the bracket (the commutator). 🙂

Best Answer

If $G$ and $H$ are Lie groups, if their Lie algebras are $\mathfrak g$ and $\mathfrak h$ respectively, and if $f\colon G\longrightarrow H$ is a Lie group homomorphism, them $f_e'\colon\mathfrak{g}\longrightarrow\mathfrak h$ is a Lie algebra homomorphism. Now, apply this to $G$ and to $GL(n,\mathbb{C})$. In your case, $f$ is the inclusion, and therefore $f_e'$ is the inclusion map too.