Methods of algebraic geometry in control theory. Part 1: Scalar linear systems and affine algebraic geometry (Q1331778)

A single input, single output, linear time invariant system can be represented in several forms, for instance by strictly proper rational meromorphic functions \(f\), by pairs \((p,q)\) of coprime polynomials, by a finite rank Hankel-matrix \(H\), or by a triple \((A,b,c)\). So the set of all scalar LTI systems can be parametrized in several ways. The goal of the monograph is to show that all parametrizations are equivalent in an algebraic geometric sense. After proving partial results for the case that the systems are over the complex numbers, the author introduces a system over an arbitrary field \(k\). The first task is to define a convenient algebraic structure on the parametrizations. The author shows that all parameter spaces have a structure of an affine algebraic set. After this the remainder of the book is devoted to the proof that there exist morphisms between the several parameters spaces, which map one representation of a system to another representation. The way the book is organized is certainly appealing. The introduction of algebraic geometry closely follows the development of the system theoretic content. Every time that additional algebraic geometry is needed some (small) chapters introducing the concepts, and working out the theory, are inserted. However, it is doubtfull whether someone without prior knowledge of algebraic geometry will be able to understand these chapters. They are too technical, and contain not enough explanation on a intuitional level to be easily accessible. I therefore doubt whether many people will reach the end of the book where the pole placement problem is treated very elegantly. According to the introduction the goal of the book is to provide an introduction to algebraic geometry in the motivated context of system theory. I fear that the motivated context is easier to understand than the introduction to algebraic geometry.