Characteristic polynomials and controllability of partially prescribed matrices (Q5947465)

The authors consider quadratic matrices \(C\) of dimension \(kp\) consisting of blocks of equal dimension \(p\times p\). First, it is assumed that the first \(k-1\) blocks in the main diagonal of \(C\) are given. Conditions are given under which such a \(C\) can be completed to a nonderogatory matrix with given characteristic polynomial. Further, matrices \(C\) are considered for which all blocks along the main diagonal are given. Conditions are formulated under which a matrix \(D\) exists such that the pair \((C,D)\) is completely controllable. Proofs are given separately for matrices over an infinite field and for matrices over a finite field.