Graduate Can a Non-Diagonal Hermitian Matrix be Diagonalized Using Unitary Matrix?

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SUMMARY

Every Hermitian matrix is unitary diagonalizable, meaning that a Hermitian matrix can be expressed in the form \( UAU = D \), where \( U \) is a unitary matrix and \( D \) is a diagonal matrix. The discussion explores the possibility of diagonalizing a non-diagonal Hermitian matrix \( A \) using a unitary matrix \( U \) that does not consist solely of the eigenvectors of \( A \). A specific example is provided with a 2x2 matrix \( U \) defined as \( U = \begin{pmatrix} k & \alpha \\ \beta & -k \end{pmatrix} \), where the eigenvalues of \( U \) are \( \pm 1 \) and the eigenvalues of \( D \) and \( A \) are not restricted to 1 or -1.

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LagrangeEuler
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Every hermitian matrix is unitary diagonalizable. My question is it possible in some particular case to take hermitian matrix ##A## that is not diagonal and diagonalize it
UAU=D
but if ##U## is not matrix that consists of eigenvectors of matrix ##A##. ##D## is diagonal matrix.
 
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U=U^{-1}
I am not sure of such a specific case.
 
Yes here I am talking about case ##U=U^{-1}##. I am also not sure. But for me it is interesting.
 
As an example in 2X2 marix
U=<br /> \begin{pmatrix}<br /> k &amp; \alpha \\<br /> \beta &amp; -k \\<br /> \end{pmatrix}<br />
where
\alpha \beta = 1-k^2
would produce non diagonal matrix A from diagonal matrix D which has two different eigenvalues with A=UDU.
 
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You can give me 2x2 example. But specify ##A##, ##U## and ##D##. Because ##U## still possibly can be formed of eigenvectors of ##A## in your example of ##U##.
 
Eingenvalues of U are ##\pm 1##. You can pick up the cases that eigenvalues of D and A are not 1 nor -1 for your purpose.
 
jedishrfu said:
is the identity m
No, because the identity matrix is diagonal.
 
anuttarasammyak said:
Eingenvalues of U are ##\pm 1##. You can pick up the cases that eigenvalues of D and A are not 1 nor -1 for your purpose.
Why? Eigenvalue can be for instance ##i##.
 
  • #10
My #7 talks abot U of post #5. There for U \lambda^2 =1
UDU=<br /> \begin{pmatrix}<br /> k &amp; \alpha \\<br /> \beta &amp; -k \\<br /> \end{pmatrix}<br /> \begin{pmatrix}<br /> d_1 &amp; 0 \\<br /> 0 &amp; d_2 \\<br /> \end{pmatrix}<br /> \begin{pmatrix}<br /> k &amp; \alpha \\<br /> \beta &amp; -k \\<br /> \end{pmatrix}<br /> =<br /> \begin{pmatrix}<br /> d_2+(d_1-d_2)k^2 &amp; k\alpha (d_1-d_2) \\<br /> k \beta (d_1-d_2) &amp; d_1-(d_1-d_2)k^2 \\<br /> \end{pmatrix}<br /> =A
, and
d_1,d_2 \neq -1,1
to satisfy your further condition.
 
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