Matrix Polynomials with Completely Prescribed Eigenstructure

Abstract

We present necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a matrix polynomial when its degree, its finite and infinite elementary divisors, and its left and right minimal indices are prescribed. These conditions hold for arbitrary infinite fields and are determined mainly by the “index sum theorem,” which is a fundamental relationship between the rank, the degree, the sum of all partial multiplicities, and the sum of all minimal indices of any matrix polynomial. The proof developed for the existence of such polynomial is constructive and, therefore, solves a very general inverse problem for matrix polynomials with prescribed complete eigenstructure. This result allows us to fix the problem of the existence of $\ell$-ifications of a given matrix polynomial, as well as to determine all their possible sizes and eigenstructures.