On left eigenvalues of a quaternionic matrix (Q5929761)

For the set of quaternions of the form \(a_1 + a_2 \mathbf{i} + a_3 \mathbf{j} + a_4 \mathbf{k}\), where \(a_i\) are real numbers and \( \mathbf{i}^2 = \mathbf{j}^2 = \mathbf{k}^2 = {\mathbf{ijk}}= -1\), the eigenvalues of a quaternionic matrix are studied. Due to the noncommutativity of quaternions, there are two types of eigenvalues: right and left eigenvalues. In the literature, the left eigenvalues are less known compared to right eigenvalues. Using results on quaternionic quadratic forms the computation of left eigenvalues of a \(2 \times 2\) matrix is presented and several examples are given. The possible number of distinct left eigenvalues of a quaternionic matrix is discussed and finally it is shown that finiteness of left and right spectra means their equality.