[Math] Linear algebra: proving transformation matrix between orthogonal basis is unitary

linear algebra

The vector space $V$ is equipped with a Hermitian scalar product and an orthonormal basis $\{e_1,\ldots,e_n\}$. A second orthonormal basis $\{e_1',\ldots,e_n'\}$ is related to the first one by $e_j'=\sum U_{ij}e_i$, where $U_{ij}$ are complex numbers. Show that $U_{ij}=\langle e_i,e_j'\rangle$ and that the matrix $U$ with entries $U_{ij}$ is unitary.

Need help particularly with the second part!!

Best Answer

Hint #1

Look at the definition of $e_j'$ and take its inner product with $e_i$. In other words, compute

$$ \langle e_i, e_j' \rangle \;\; =\;\; \left \langle e_i, \; \sum_{k=1}^n U_{kj} e_k \right \rangle. $$

Hint #2

Recall that for $U$ to be unitary we must have that $UU^* = U^*U = I$. Equivalently this can be stated that $\langle Uv, Uw\rangle = \langle u,w\rangle$ for all vectors $u$ and $w$ in your vector space. Rewrite $u$ and $w$ in the basis $\{e_1, \ldots, e_n\}$ and this should be relatively easy to demonstrate.

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