On the smallest singular value in the class of invertible lower triangular \((0,1)\) matrices (Q2226426)

Let \(K_n\) denote the set of all invertible \(n\times n\) lower triangular \((0,1)\) matrices, and let \(\lambda_n(\cdot)\) be the smallest eigenvalue of an \(n\times n\) matrix with real eigenvalues. The number \[ c_n=\min\,\{\lambda_n(YY^T): Y\in K_n\}, \] introduced by \textit{S. Hong} and the present author [Glasgow Math. J. 46, 551--569 (2004; Zbl 1083.11021)], is useful in studying eigenvalues of certain GCD (greatest common divisor) and LCM (least common multiple) matrices and their generalizations. \textit{P. Ilmonen} et al. [Linear Algebra Appl. 429, 859--874 (2008; Zbl 1143.15016)] conjectured that \(c_n=\lambda_n(Y_0Y_0^T)\), where \(Y_0=(y^{(0)}_{ij})\in K_n\) is defined by \[ y^{(0)}_{ij}=\frac{1-(-1)^{i+j}}{2},\quad i>j. \] \textit{E. Altınışık} et al. [Linear Algebra Appl. 493, 1--13 (2016; Zbl 1334.15079)] proved it and, in turn, conjectured that \(c_n\) is attained only at~\(Y_0\). The present author proves it. \textit{M. Mattila} [Linear Algebra Appl. 466, 1--20 (2015; Zbl 1395.15028)] and the reviewer (see the appendix of [\textit{E. Altınışık} et al., Linear Algebra Appl. 493, 1--13 (2016; Zbl 1334.15079)]) presented lower bounds for \(c_n\), which, however, are not good. \textit{V. Kaarnioja} [J. Combin. Theory, Ser. A 178, Art. ID 105353 (2021; Zbl 1472.15011)] found a better lower bound. He also conjectured that asymptotically \[ c_n\sim 5\phi^{-2n}, \] where \(\phi\) denotes the golden ratio. The present author proves it by showing that \[ \frac{10}{2\phi^{2n}+2\phi^{-2n}+10n-5-9(-1)^n}\le c_n\le\frac{10}{2\phi^{2n}+2\phi^{-2n}+5+(-1)^n}. \]