On pole assignment problems in polynomial rings (Q1063648)

The problem of pole assignment over a commutative ring R is a question in linear algebra over rings motivated by problems in control theory. It deals with the possibility of modifying the characteristic polynomial of a square matrix A by additive perturbations of the form \(A+BK\), where B is given and K is allowed to vary. Results by the reviewer and others established that many properties true over fields do not extend to the case where R is a ring of polynomials in more than one variable over a field, or if R is \({\mathbb{Z}}[x]\). The author discusses a unified approach to these various counterexamples. The paper is clear and well-written.