Is it possible to recognize when an endomorphism of a finite dimensional vector space is unitary for some choice of inner product

inner-productslinear algebra

Let $V$ a finite dimensional vector space over $\mathbb{C}$. Let $T\in GL(V)$.

Are there reasonable criteria for recognizing whether or not there is some inner product on $V$ w.r.t. to which $T$ is unitary? (equivalently, whether or not $T$ is similar to a unitary operator?)

Best Answer

Sure. An operator $T$ is unitary iff there is an orthonormal basis with respect to which $T$ is diagonal with eigenvalues of absolute value $1$. So, $T\in GL(V)$ is unitary for some inner product iff it is diagonalizable with eigenvalues of absolute value $1$ (just pick an inner product which makes a basis of eigenvectors orthonormal).

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