Isotropy

转自：http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isotropy

Isotropy is uniformity in all orientations; it is derived from the Greek iso (equal) and tropos (direction). Precise definitions depend on the subject area. Exceptions, or inequalities, are frequently indicated by the prefix an, hence anisotropy. Anisotropy is also used to describe situations where properties vary systematically, dependent on direction. Isotropic radiation has the same intensity regardless of the direction of measurement, and an isotropic field exerts the same action regardless of how the test particle is oriented.

Mathematics

Within mathematics, isotropy has a few different meanings:

Isotropic manifolds

Some manifolds are isotropic, meaning that the geometry on the manifold is the same regardless of direction. A similar concept is homogeneity. A manifold can be homogeneous without being isotropic. But if it is inhomogeneous, it is necessarily anisotropic.

Isotropic quadratic form

A quadratic form q is said to be isotropic if there is a non-zero vector v such that q(v)=0.

Isotropic coordinates on an Isotropic chart for Lorentzian manifolds.