Schatten norms and determinants of linear combinations of matrix tensor powers via virtual representations

Abstract:Let $$X_n=\sum_{i=1}^s t_i A_i^{\otimes n},$$ where $A_1,\ldots,A_s\in M_d(\mathbb C)$ and $t_1,\ldots,t_s\in\mathbb C$ are fixed, while $n$ grows. Direct computation of determinants or Schatten norms of $X_n$ is exponential in $n$. For a single tensor power these quantities are elementary, and even the determinant of a generic two-term combination admits a reduction to polynomially many scalar factors; however, no analogous elementary reduction is available for three or more terms. We give an exact representation-theoretic method which, for fixed $d$ and $s$, computes $\|X_n\|_p$, $0<p<\infty$, and determinants in polynomial time in $n$. Schur--Weyl duality yields a simultaneous block decomposition, while Jacobi--Trudi identities in the Grothendieck ring replace Schur modules by signed combinations of tensor products of symmetric powers. For $d=3$, each irreducible contribution reduces to the difference of two explicitly computable symmetric-power terms, leading to an open-source implementation. In a single-thread CPU benchmark, a genuine three-term $3\times3$ trace-norm problem with $n=18$ is evaluated in about $47$ seconds, whereas just storing the unreduced matrix would require approximately $2.4\times10^{18}$ bytes. Direct and reduced computations agree to relative error below $3.4\times10^{-15}$ throughout their common range $n\leq9$.

Representation Theory (math.RT); Quantum Physics (quant-ph)

arXiv:2609.04341 [math.RT]

(or arXiv:2609.04341v1 [math.RT] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2609.04341 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.