[Physics] Relativistic basic question – four vector, Lorentz matrix

Question

I have heard relativistics only very compressed during my student time. Now I looked up the definitions again and a question comes into my mind:

A contravariant vector is transformed like this: $(a^\mu)'=L_{\mu\lambda}a^\lambda$ wherein $L_{\mu\lambda}$ is the Lorentz matrix. A covariant vector is transformed like this: $(a_\mu)'=L^{-1}_{\lambda\mu}a_\lambda=L^{T}_{\lambda\mu}a_\lambda=L_{\mu\lambda}a_\lambda$. Does this mean no matter if I have a co- or contravariant four vector I use the same matrix to transform them from one coordinate system to the other?

And one general question: Why do I need co- AND contravariant four vectors? Isn't one enough?

EDIT: My definitions

I think I found the solution. We do not have the common definitions of the four vectors! I have a definition like this:

$a^\mu=(a_1,a_2,a_3,\mathrm{i}ct)$

The normal definition is:

$a^\mu=(a_1,a_2,a_3,ct)$

Then, regarding the answers, it doesn't matter where I put the indices of the Lorentz matrix, does it? Within the new definition, the Lorentz matrix becomes non-symmetric

$L=\left(\begin{array}{ccc}\cosh \theta &0&0&\mathrm{i}\sinh \theta \\ 0&1&0&0\\0&0&1&0\\ -\mathrm{i}\sinh&0&0&\cosh \theta\end{array}\right)$

In contrast, the normal Lorentz matrix is

$L=\left(\begin{array}{ccc}\cosh \theta &0&0&\sinh \theta \\ 0&1&0&0\\0&0&1&0\\ \sinh&0&0&\cosh \theta\end{array}\right)$

Now we see that indeed $(a_\mu)'=L^{-1}_{\lambda\mu}a_\lambda=L^{T}_{\lambda\mu}a_\lambda=L_{\mu\lambda}a_\lambda$. So in this representation, the transformation of co- and contravariant four vectors are done by the same matrix. Can anyone confirm?

Answer 1

1. As others have pointed out, the indices in your expression is wrong. It should be $a'^\mu=L^\mu{}_\lambda a^{\lambda}$. Covariant vectors transform like $a'_\mu=L_\mu{}^\lambda a_\lambda$.
2. Covariant and contravariant vectors are dual to each other. Their distinction simplifies the expression of inner product.
3. $a^\mu=(a_1,a_2,a_3,\mathrm{i}ct)$ is what most elementary relativity teaches. In this expression, there is no distinction of covariant and contravariant vectors, so upper and lower indices are all the same. Lorentz transform matrix is (complex) orthogonal (not unitary) and is the same for either vectors. This convention simplifies life, which is why it is taught to first learners.
4. The distinction between covariant and contravariant vectors are very important in general relativity, so in order to be generalizable, it is better to distinguish covariant and contravariant vectors even in special relativity.