Properties of 4x4 symmetric matrix with eigvals E1, -E1, E2, -E2

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the properties of 4x4 symmetric or Hermitian matrices, specifically those that can be transformed into diagonal forms such as diag(E1, -E1, E2, -E2) or diag(E1, E2, -E1, -E2). The user seeks to decompose the expression U tanh(D) U^T = f(E1, -E1, E2, -E2) * H, where H is defined as a specific 4x4 matrix. The challenges include finding eigenvectors and determining the appropriate form of the transformation matrix U, which should be orthogonal and potentially antisymmetric. The discussion highlights the need for clarity regarding the function f and the overall goals of the matrix manipulation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of symmetric and Hermitian matrices
  • Familiarity with eigenvalues and eigenvectors
  • Knowledge of matrix decomposition techniques
  • Proficiency in linear algebra concepts, particularly transformations and orthogonality
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  • Research the properties of 4x4 symmetric matrices and their eigenvalues
  • Learn about matrix decomposition methods, specifically for symmetric matrices
  • Explore the application of the tanh function in matrix transformations
  • Investigate the use of orthogonal and antisymmetric matrices in linear algebra
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This discussion is beneficial for mathematicians, physicists, and engineers working with linear algebra, particularly those involved in quantum mechanics or systems requiring matrix diagonalization and eigenvalue analysis.

lukasch
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Hi there,

I would appreciate if you could share your exeriences or ideas about
properties of 4x4 symmetric/hermitean matrices H such that
U^T H U = D = diag( E1, -E1, E2, -E2 ) or diag (E1, E2, -E1, -E2 )

The things I would like to perform are the following
- decompose an expression
U tanh( D ) U^T = f(E1, -E1, E2, -E2) * H
if it is possible. So I was wonderig whether some symmetricity of the H or D can be of help.
- look for eigvectors - gauss elimination afer substituting known E_i is terrible,
or I can assume some form of U, should be antisymmetric, orthogonal... but that is where I got stuck, as it depends on much parameters.
(for 2x2 it is just U=(u v \\ -v u) with uu+vv=1, the free parameter can be
u=(1+c)/2 v=(1-c)/2 ).

Actually the matrix is
H = [
e1 d1 g 0
d1 -e1 0 -g
g 0 e2 d2
0 -g d2 -e2
]
But it can be rearanged in form where it is antisymetric under
V^T H V with V = one (dir) sigma1,
with dir I mean kronecker/direct product.

I have an idea that similarly as for 2x2 case
U^T sigma1 * (a b \\ b c) * sigma1 U = sigma1 diag ( E, -E ) sigma1 = - diag(E, -E)

may it be used for 4x4 matrix as for example
diag (E1, E2, -E1, -E2 ) = diag (E1 E2) (dir) sigma3 = ... ?
I will think about it.


Thanks for any note :)
L.
 
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lukasch said:
Hi there,

I would appreciate if you could share your exeriences or ideas about
properties of 4x4 symmetric/hermitean matrices H such that
U^T H U = D = diag( E1, -E1, E2, -E2 ) or diag (E1, E2, -E1, -E2 )

The things I would like to perform are the following
- decompose an expression
U tanh( D ) U^T = f(E1, -E1, E2, -E2) * H
It is a linear or quadratic equation system, depending what you mean by a decomposition.
if it is possible. So I was wonderig whether some symmetricity of the H or D can be of help.
What is ##f##?
- look for eigvectors - gauss elimination afer substituting known E_i is terrible,
or I can assume some form of U, should be antisymmetric, orthogonal... but that is where I got stuck, as it depends on much parameters.
The problem is too vaguely explained: what is known, what unknown, what is ##f##, what's the goal, etc.?
(for 2x2 it is just U=(u v \\ -v u) with uu+vv=1, the free parameter can be
u=(1+c)/2 v=(1-c)/2 ).

Actually the matrix is
H = [
e1 d1 g 0
d1 -e1 0 -g
g 0 e2 d2
0 -g d2 -e2
]
But it can be rearanged in form where it is antisymetric under
V^T H V with V = one (dir) sigma1,
with dir I mean kronecker/direct product.

I have an idea that similarly as for 2x2 case
U^T sigma1 * (a b \\ b c) * sigma1 U = sigma1 diag ( E, -E ) sigma1 = - diag(E, -E)

may it be used for 4x4 matrix as for example
diag (E1, E2, -E1, -E2 ) = diag (E1 E2) (dir) sigma3 = ... ?
I will think about it.Thanks for any note :)
L.
Examples are a good way to start. However, you should first answer those questions above.
 

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