On geometric properties of the numerical range (Q1386512)

The authors investigate the shape of the numerical range \(W(A) =\{x^*Ax: x\in{\mathbb C}^n\), \(x^*x=1\}\) of \(n\)-by-\(n\) complex matrices. A criterion for the numerical range to be an elliptic disk is given. Sufficient conditions for the \(n\)-by-\(n\) tridiagonal matrices to have elliptic numerical range are obtained. The boundary of the numerical range near a sharp point is examined. Let \(A\in M_n({\mathbb C})\), and \(z\in{\mathbb C}\). Then \(c\) is a sharp (=)non-smooth) point of \(W(A)\) if and only if \(A\) is unitarily equivalent to \(zI_m\oplus A_1\) with \(z\notin W(A_1)\). In this case, \(z\) is a vertex of the intersection of two line segments on \(\text{bd }W(A)\). Finally, the numerical range of a reducible matrix is compressed, and its geometric properties are discussed.