Matrix roots in the max-plus algebra (Q2238858)

When working with max-plus algebras, one considers the max-plus semi-ring, namely the set \( \mathbb{R}_{\max} = \{-\infty\} \cup \mathbb{R}\) together with the operations \((a, b) \mapsto \max (a, b)\) and \((a, b) \mapsto a+b\). Here, the author shows that a \(2\times 2\) finite matrix is infinitely divisible if and only if \(d(A) \ge 0\), where \(d(A)\) is a suitable function of the so-called positive determinant and negative determinant of \(A\) (see the paper for precise definitions). Then he studies the principle \(k\)-th roots for \(2\times 2\) finite matrices and provides explicit formulas for these roots. For some special type of \(n\times n\) matrices satisfying non-negative conditions on their certain \(2\times 2\) minors, the author generalizes an approximation formula for the \(k\)-th roots. This paper also discusses the relation between matrix roots and idempotent matrices.