Invariant vectors/eigenvectors of R(., v)v

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of the endomorphism R(., v)v in the context of complex and quaternionic projective spaces, specifically regarding invariant vectors and eigenvectors. Participants explore the implications of previously established results and seek clarification on specific proof steps related to eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the connection between the established results (1) and (2) and the assertion that iv is an eigenvector of R(., v)v.
  • One participant suggests that the theorem regarding the structure of the tangent space in CP^n and HP^n might be relevant to understanding the proof.
  • Another participant notes that R(., v)v is a self-adjoint endomorphism, which implies the existence of an orthonormal basis of eigenvectors and real eigenvalues.
  • There is a mention of the need for further clarification on the relationship between the self-adjoint property of R(., v)v and the eigenvector assertion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach a consensus on the clarity of the proof steps or the implications of the established results. Multiple viewpoints and uncertainties remain regarding the connections between the statements made and the conclusions drawn.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on the definitions of the involved mathematical structures and the unresolved nature of certain mathematical steps related to the properties of the endomorphism R(., v)v.

Sajet
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I'm afraid I need help again...

First, these two things are shown:

1) Let v \in T_{\bar p}\mathbb{CP}^n, ||v|| = 1. Then: R(w, v)v = w \forall w \in (\mathbb Cv)^\perp

2) Let v \in T_{\bar p}\mathbb{HP}^n, ||v|| = 1. Then: R(w, v)v = w \forall w \in (v\mathbb H)^\perp

Afterwards the following is supposed to be proven:

a) R(iv, v)v = 4iv (in the case of CP^n)
b) R(w, v)v = 4w \forall w \in (\mathbb Rv)^\perp\cap(v \mathbb H) (in the case of HP^n)

Unfortunately, I don't understand the very beginning of the following proof:

"It is already clear that iv is an eigenvector of R(., v)v (meaning R(iv, v)v = \kappa iv for some \kappa)"

I've been on this since yesterday but I don't see why this is the case. Does it somehow follow from 1)?

In b) it is basically the same thing (I think) but the script is a little bit more elaborate - so maybe this helps. It reads:

"We have already shown that (vH)\cap(\mathbb Rv)^\perp is an invariant subspace of the endomorphism R(., v)v. Let w \in (vH)\cap (\mathbb Rv)^\perp be an eigenvector."

Do these two statements immediately follow from 1) and 2)? I mean 1) basically shows:

R(., v)v|_{(\mathbb Cv)^\perp} = id_{(\mathbb Cv)^\perp}

But I can't make the connection to R(iv, v)v = \kappa iv...
 
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Do you have an electronic version of the document you're reading?
 
I do but it is in German.
 
I don't understand either, sorry. :(
 
Thank you anyway :)
 
I might have an idea. At a different point the following theorem is introduced:

For every \bar p \in \mathbb{CP}^n the tangent space T_{\bar p} \mathbb{CP}^n carries the structure of a complex vector space. For \iota \in U(n+1) we have \bar \iota_*(\lambda v) = \lambda\bar \iota_*(v) for all \lambda \in \mathbb C, v \in T\mathbb{CP}^n. (\bar \iota is the induced map on \mathbb{CP}^n).

Then there is a similar statement about \mathbb{HP}^n, namely \iota \in Sp(n+1) \Rightarrow \bar \iota_*(v\mathbb H) = \bar \iota_*(v)\mathbb H

Sp(n+1) and U(n+1) are defined as matrices A fulfilling AA^* = I.

If the map B(w) := R(w, v)v were in Sp(n+1), U(n+1), then the above theorem might be what the proof is referring to. I figured out that B is a self-adjoint endomorphism, therefore B = B^* (right?). But that doesn't mean BB^* = I. For that to be true, it needs to be B = B^{-1}, meaning R(R(w, v)v, v)v = w. I've worked on this for the last couple of hours but I think this is not even true...
 
Okay, I've got it now. Not that clear imo (at least for me it wasn't) but this is the explanation for anybody who cares:

R(., v)v is a self-adjoint endomorphism. Therefore the tangent space has an orthonormal basis of eigenvectors and all eigenvalues are real. It follows that iv must be an eigenvector.

Then basically the same applies in the case of HPn.
 

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