On the problem of degree reduction of a scattering matrix by factorization (Q2560209)

A method of realizing a network from its specified \(n\times n\) scattering matrix \(S(p)\) of degree 8 proceeds by repeated factoring of the matrix as \(S(p) = S_1S_2\) where \(S_2\) is a bounded para-unitary matrix of degree 1 and \(S_1\) is of degree \(\delta - 1\). In this paper the authors establish the complete set of conditions required for the above matrix factorization. Only a partial set of conditions for this factorization have previously been established. This paper corrects and completes the discussion of this factorization and consequences of realization given by \textit{V. Belevitch} [Classical network theory. San-Francisco etc.: Holden-Day (1968; Zbl 0172.20404)].