Concavity of certain matrix trace functions (Q5950092)

The joint concavity of the trace function \(\text{Tr} (F(A_1, \dots,A_k))\) is studied, where \(F(A_1,\dots,A_k)\) is a matrix-valued function of positive semidefinite matrices. Using the method by \textit{H. Epstein} [Commun. Math. Phys. 31, 317-325 (1973; Zbl 0257.46089)] and the integral representation of the Pick function to prove the concavity results both known characteristics are improved and new are found. Trace functions involving tensor products and Hadamard products are discussed.