# If V is a complex inner product and T is an operator on V such that <Tv,v> = 0

1. Dec 28, 2012

### vish_maths

The book I am going through says this :

The below proposition is false for real inner product spaces. As an example, consider the operator T in R^2 that is a counter clockwise rotation of 90 degrees around the origin. Thus , T(x,y) = (-y,x). Obviously, Tv is orthogonal to v for every v in R^2, even though T is not 0.

Proposition : if V is a complex inner product space and T is an inner product space on V such that <Tv,v>=0 for all v in V, then T =0.

They have given a proof which describes <Tu,w> in the form <Tx,x> and hence subsequently which proves that <Tu,w>=0 for all u,w in V. This implies that T=0. ( taking w = Tu ).

My doubt is that why is the condition of orthogonality for <Tv,v> =0 not valid for complex inner product vector space. Been confusing me .
Thanks

2. Dec 28, 2012

### chiro

Hey vish_maths.

We know from an inner product space that <v,v> = 0 if and only if v = 0. We also know that <u,v> = 0 if u is perpendicular to v or if either vector is the zero vector.

In a complex vector space, you need to consider that the operator is a Hermitian operator.

Hint: What does this do to the inner product space (consider what the transpose of the operator does)? Are you aware of what these do in complex vector spaces?

3. Dec 28, 2012

### vish_maths

Hi chiro,

I know that if T is an operator and T* is the corresponding adjoint operator, then Matrix of T* = Transpose of Matrix of T.
However, it is not mentioned in the text that T is a self adjoint ( or a hermitian operator). If it is, then Matrix (T) = Transpose of Matrix(T).

But, since nothing like this is mentioned, we should probably not assume it is a hermitian operator ?

.........

I was thinking on this line . It would be great if you could just inspect my line of thought : - The concept of orthogonality should be defined only for real inner product vector spaces. since, in the complex inner product vector spaces, we don't even know whether complex vector spaces can have orthogonal components.

Hence, for complex vector spaces, even if the inner product is 0, still, we don't call them as orthogonal .

Any help for proper direction will be great. Thanks

Thanks.

Last edited: Dec 28, 2012
4. Dec 28, 2012

### chiro

As far as I remember, the operator must be Hermitian to be in a complex vector space.