Representations of Central Matrix-Valued Carathéodory Functions in Both Nondegenerate and Degenerate Cases

We derive left and right quotient representations for central q × q matrix-valued Carathéodory functions. Moreover, we obtain recurrent formulas for the matrix polynomials involved in the quotient representations. These formulas are the starting point for getting recurrent formulas for those matrix polynomials which occur in the Arov-Krein resolvent matrix for the nondegenerate matricial Carathéodory problem.     

Carathéodory interpolation on the non-commutative polydisk

The Carathéodory problem in the N-variable non-commutative Herglotz-Agler class and the Carathéodory-Fejér problem in the N-variable non-commutative Schur-Agler class are posed. It is shown that the Carathéodory (resp., Carathéodory-Fejér) problem has a solution if and only if the non-commutative polynomial with given operator coefficients (the data of the problem indexed by an admissible set Λ) takes operator values with positive semidefinite real part (resp., contractive operator values) on N-tuples of Λ-jointly nilpotent contractive n×n matrices, for all n∈N.     

Completion problems forj pq-inner functions. I.

This paper studies various completion problems for a subclass ofj _pq-inner functions. Special attention is drawn to so-calledA-normalizedj _pq-elementary factors of full-rank, which are closely related to the matricial Schur problem. Finally, as an application an inverse problem for Carathéodory sequences is answered.     

Minimum w-entropy interpolants for matricial Carathéodory functions and maximum determinant completions of associated block Pick matrix

The so-called modified block Toeplitz vector approach is used to connect a class of particular solutions G_w for w∈D of a nondegenerate interpolation problem of the Nevanlinna-Pick type with a class of particular solutions F_w of a certain matricial Carathéodory coefficient problem in a transparent way. This will suggest a simple approach to the minimum w-entropy interpolants and the maximum determinant completions of the associated block Pick matrix within the framework of that Nevanlinna-Pick type interpolation problem by using the known assertions corresponding to F_w. It turns out that G_w(w∈D) is exactly or provides us with the unique solution to these two extremal problems in a manner.     

On rank invariance of generalized Schwarz-Pick-Potapov block matrices of matrix-valued Carathéodory functions

In view of a multiple Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problem, we study the rank of generalized Schwarz-Pick-Potapov block matrices of matrix-valued Carathéodory functions. Those matrices are determined by the values of a Carathéodory function and the values of its derivatives up to a certain order. We derive statements on rank invariance of such generalized Schwarz-Pick-Potapov block matrices. These results are applied to describe the case of exactly one solution for the finite multiple Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problem and to discuss matrix-valued Carathéodory functions with the highest degree of degeneracy.     

The Bitangential Inverse Input Impedance Problem for Canonical Systems,I: Weyl-Titchmarsh Classification,Existence and Uniqueness

The inverse input impedance problem is investigated in the class of canonical integral systems with matrizants that are strongly regular J-inner matrix valued functions in the sense introduced in [ArD1]. The set of solutions for a problem with a given input impedance matrix (i.e., Weyl- Titchmarsh function) is parameterized by chains of associated pairs of entire inner p × p matrix valued functions. In our considerations the given data for the inverse bitangential input impedance problem is such a chain and an input impedance matrix, i.e., a p × p matrix valued function in the Carathéodory class. Existence and uniqueness theorems for the solution of this problem are obtained by consideration of a corresponding family of generalized bitangential Carathéodory interpolation problems. The connection between the inverse bitangential input scattering problem that was studied in [ArD4] and the bitangential input impedance problem is also exploited. The successive sections deal with: 1. The introduction, 2. Domains of linear fractional transformations, 3. Associated pairs of the first and second kind, 4. Matrix balls, 5. The classification of canonical systems via the limit ball, 6. The Weyl-Titchmarsh characterization of the input impedance, 7. Applications of interpolation to the bitangential inverse input impedance problem. Formulas for recovering the underlying canonical integral systems, examples and related results on the inverse bitangential spectral problem will be presented in subsequent publications.D. Z. Arov thanks the Weizmann Institute of Science for hospitality and support, partially as a Varon Visiting Professor and partially through the Minerva Foundation. H. Dym thanks Renee and Jay Weiss for endowing the chair which supports his research and the Minerva Foundation.     

Positive Carathéodory interpolation on the polydisc

The positive Carathéodory interpolation problem in the Agler-Herglotz class on the polydisc is solved, along with a several variable version of the Naimark dilation theorem. In addition, the positive Carathéodory interpolation problem for general holomorphic functions is discussed and numerical results are presented.     

Caratheodory interpolation kernels

Kernels over the unit disk for which a version of Carathéodory interpolation is true are characterized in a simple computationally verifiable manner.     

Schur-Nevanlinna-Potapov sequences of rational matrix functions

We study particular sequences of rational matrix functions with poles outside the unit circle. These Schur-Nevanlinna-Potapov sequences are recursively constructed based on some complex numbers with norm less than one and some strictly contractive matrices. The main theme of this paper is a thorough analysis of the matrix functions belonging to the sequences in question. Essentially, such sequences are closely related to the theory of orthogonal rational matrix functions on the unit circle. As a further crosslink, we explain that the functions belonging to Schur-Nevanlinna-Potapov sequences can be used to describe the solution set of an interpolation problem of Nevanlinna-Pick type for matricial Schur functions.     

A band method approach to a positive expansion problem in a unitary dilation setting

In this paper a positive commuting expansion problem is presented and solved. The problem is set up in the framework of a minimal unitary dilation of a contraction acting on a Hilbert space and includes the Carathéodory and other classical interpolation problems. By combining the geometry of the minimal unitary dilation with state space techniques from system theory, a special solution is constructed. Next using the band method approach and spectral factorizations of this special solution a linear fractional parameterization of all solutions is obtained. Explicit state space formulas and applications to some classical interpolation problems are given.     

On three Krein extension problems and some generalizations

Three basic extension problems which were initiated by M. G. Krein are discussed and further developed. Connections with interpolation problems in the Carathéodory class are explained. Some tangential and bitangential versions are considered. Full characterizations of the classes of resolvent matrices for these problems are given and formulas for the resolvent matrices of left tangential problems are obtained using reproducing kernel Hilbert space methods.Dedicated to the memory of M. G. Krein, a beacon for us both.The authors wish to acknowledge the partial support of the Israel-Ukraine Exchange Program. D. Z. Arov also wishes to thank the Weizmann Institute of Science for partial support and hospitality; H. Dym wishes to thank Renee and Jay Weiss for endowing the chair which supports his research.     

On 4-flattening theorems and the curves of Carathéodory, Barner and Segre

We discuss three classes of closed curves in the Euclidean space $\mathbb{R}^{3}$ which have non-vanishing curvature and at least 4 flattenings (points at which the torsion vanishes). Calling these classes (de.ned below) Barner, Segre and Carathéodory, we prove that Barner $\subset$ (Segre $\cap$ Carathéodory). We also prove that (Segre)\ (Segre $\cap$ Carathéodory) and (Carathéodory)\(Segre $\cap$ Carathéodory) are open sets in the space of closed smooth curves with the C-topology. Finally, we define a class of closed curves containing the class of Segre curves and -based on contact topology considerations, as the Huygens principle- we establish the conjecture that any curve of our class has at least 4 flattenings.     

Interpolation and prediction problems for connected compact abelian groups

Extensions of the Nehari theorem and of the Sarason commutation theorem are given for compact abelian groups whose dual have a complete linear order compatible with the group structure. As a special case a version of the classical interpolation theorem due to Carathéodory — Féjer is obtained.For these groups an extension of the Helson — Szegö theorem and integral representations for positive definite generalized Toeplitz kernels are given.Partially supported by the CDCH of the Universidad Central de Venezuela, and by CONICIT grant G-97000668.     

Solution of a multiple Nevanlinna-Pick problem via orthogonal rational functions

We consider a Nevanlinna-Pick type interpolation problem for Carathéodory functions, where the values of the function and its derivatives up to certain orders are given at finitely many points of the unit disk. The set of all solutions of this problem is described by means of the orthogonal rational functions which play here a similar role as the orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle in the classical case of the trigonometric moment problem. In particular, we use a connection between Szegö and Schur parameters which in the classical situation was discovered by Ja.L. Geronimus.     

Estimates of the Carathéodory metric on the symmetrized polydisc

Estimates for the Carathéodory metric on the symmetrized polydisc are obtained. It is also shown that the Carathéodory and Kobayashi distances of the symmetrized three-disc do not coincide.     

Positivity and strict contractivity of functions of operators

Carathéodory class functionsf(z) are described having the property that the self-adjoint part off(A) is positive definite for every contractionA whose spectral radius is less than 1. Analogous results are obtained for bounded analytic functions in the unit disc, and for the Nevanlinna class. Applications to Markov chains are indicated.Partially supported by the US Air Force Grant AFOSR-94-0293.Partially supported by the NSF Grant DMS-9500924.     

Classes of pairs of meromorphic matrix valued functions generated by nonnegative kernels and associated Nevanlinna-Pick problems

Families of pairs of matrix-valued meromorphic functions (,P) depending on two parameters andP are introduced. They are the projective analogues of classes of functions studied in [1] and include as special cases the projective Schur, Nevanlinna and Carathéodory classes. A two sided Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problem is defined and solved in (,P), using the fundamental matrix inequality method.     

On the Carathéodory–Fejér Interpolation Problem for Generalized Schur Functions

The solutions of the Carathéodory–Fejér interpolation problem for generalized Schur functions can be parametrized via a linear fractional transformation over the class of classical Schur functions. The linear fractional transformation of some of these functions may have a pole (simple or multiple) in one or more of the interpolation points or not satisfy one or more interpolation conditions, hence not all Schur functions can serve as a parameter. The set of excluded parameters is characterized in terms of the related Pick matrix.Research was supported by the Summer Research Grant from the College of William and MarySubmitted: June 26, 2002 Revised: January 31, 2003