Matrices with zero trace

LetM _n(F) denote the algebra ofn-square matrices with elements in a fieldF. In this paper we show that ifM ∈M _n(F) has zero trace thenM=AB−BA for certainA, B ∈ M _n(F), withA nilpotent and traceB=0, apart from some exceptional cases whenn=2 or 3. We also determine whenM=MB−BM for someB ∈ M _n(F). The preparation of this paper was supported in part by the U.S. Air Force under contract AFOSR 698-65.     

Matrices with zero line sums and maximal rank

An n×n sign pattern admits a matrix with zero-line-sums and rank n?1 if and only if it is fully indecomposable and every arc of an associated directed bipartite graph lies on a circuit. This proves a conjecture of Fiedler and Grone made in the study of sign patterns of inverse-positive matrices.     

Positive commutators, Fermi golden rule and the spectrum of zero temperature Pauli-Fierz Hamiltonians

We perform the spectral analysis of a zero temperature Pauli-Fierz system for small coupling constants. Under the hypothesis of Fermi golden rule, we show that the embedded eigenvalues of the uncoupled system disappear and establish a limiting absorption principle above this level of energy. We rely on a positive commutator approach introduced by Skibsted and pursued by Georgescu-Gérard-Møller. We complete some results obtained so far by Dereziński-Jakši? on one side and by Bach-Fröhlich-Sigal-Soffer on the other side.     

The base sets of quasi-primitive zero-symmetric sign pattern matrices with zero trace

Cheng and Liu [Bo Cheng, Bolian Liu, The base sets of primitive zero-symmetric sign pattern matrices, Linear Algebra Appl. 428 (2008) 715-731] showed that the base set of quasi-primitive zero-symmetric (generalized) sign pattern matrices is {1,2,…,2n}. The matrices with zero trace play a prominent role in matrix theory. In this paper, we investigate the bases of quasi-primitive zero-symmetric (generalized) sign pattern matrices with zero trace and prove that the base set of such matrices is {2,3,…,2n-1}.     

Commutators of trace zero matrices over principal ideal rings

We prove that for every trace zero square matrix A of size at least 3 over a principal ideal ring R, there exist trace zero matrices X, Y over R such that XY ? YX = A. Moreover, we show that X can be taken to be regular mod every maximal ideal of R. This strengthens our earlier result that A is a commutator of two matrices (not necessarily of trace zero), and in addition, the present proof is simpler than the earlier one.     

On similarity classes of second order matrices with zero trace over the ring of integers

In this paper we consider the problem of similarity of matrices over integers and describe canonical representatives of the similarity classes of 2 × 2 matrices with zero trace and determinant equal an odd power of a prime number.     

Sobolev functions whose inner trace at the boundary is zero

Let Ω⊂R ⁿ be an arbitrary open set. In this paper it is shown that if a Sobolev functionf∈W ^1,p (Ω) possesses a zero trace (in the sense of Lebesgue points) on ϖΩ, thenf is weakly zero on ϖΩ in the sense thatf∈W ₀ ^1,p (Ω).     

Matrices as sums of squares

How many squares are needed to represent elements in a matrix ring? A matrix over a field of characteristic two is a sum of two squares if and only if its trace is a square, otherwise it is not a sum of squares. Any proper matrix over a field of characteristic not two is always a sum of three squares. If the order of a matrix is even the matrix is a sum of two squares, but an odd order matrix which is q times the identity matrix is a sum of two squares if and only ifq is a sum of two squares in the field. Matrices of order 2,3 and 4 over the integers can always be written as the sum of three squares.     

Equal-time commutators with improved energy-momentum tensor

Theoretical and Mathematical Physics -     

Abelian groups with nilpotent commutators of endomorphisms

We study classes of abelian groups with nilpotent commutators of their endomorphisms, as well as groups with a semirigid condition imposed on direct summands. We describe these groups among separable, vector, and algebraically compact torsion-free groups. We construct examples illustrating the distinction between considered classes of groups, as well as E-solvable and E-nilpotent groups.     

Vanishing power values of commutators with derivations

Let R be a prime ring of char R ≠ 2, let d be a nonzero derivation of R, and let ρ be a nonzero right ideal of R such that [[d(x)x ⁿ , d(y)] _m , [y, x] _s ] ^t = 0 for all x, y ? ρ, where n ≥ 1, m ≥ 0, s ≥ 0, and t ≥ 1 are fixed integers. If [ρ, ρ]ρ ≠ 0 then d(ρ)ρ = 0.     

Powers of commutators

Any element of a finite group that generates the same cyclic subgroup as some commutator, is itself a commutator. The paper presents a completely elementary proof of this fact, whereas previous proofs depend on character theory.     

Writing certain commutators as products of cubes in free groups

Let Cu(γ) be the minimal number of cubes required to express an element γ of a free group F. We establish a method for showing that certain equations do not have solutions in free groups. Using it, we find Cu(γ) for certain elements of the derived subgroup of F. If is the wreath product of F by the infinite cyclic group, we also show that every element of W′ is a product of at most one commutator and three cubes in W.     

On entire functions with zero as a deficient value

We consider entire functions of finite order for which zero is a Nevanlinna deficient value. Estimates are determined for the ratio of the integrated moduli of the logarithmic derivative of the function on a circle of radius r to the Nevanlinna characteristic of the function at r.