On tangential matrix interpolation (Q603133)

An algebraic approach to models with polynomial and rational functions over an arbitrary field has been developed by the author in the context of systems theory [see, e.\ g., \textit{P.\,A.\thinspace Fuhrmann}, ``Algebraic system theory: An analyst's point of view'', J.~Franklin Inst.\ 301, 521--540 (1976; Zbl 0332.93001) and ``Autonomous subbehaviours and output nulling subspaces'', Int.\ J.\ Control 78, No.\,17, 1378--1411 (2005; Zbl 1090.93008)]. This is used here to solve related tangential matrix interpolation problems. Such problems are usually tackled with an operator theoretic approach. This paper also avoids the use of state space realizations. The term ``tangential'' refers to the fact that for a polynomial matrix \(A\), complex interpolation points \(\lambda_i\) and given vectors \(\xi_i,\eta_i\), left interpolation conditions are prescribed of the form \(A(\lambda_i)\xi_i=\eta_i\). For right interpolation, similar conditions hold for the transposition of \(A\), and in the two-sided case, conditions of both types hold. More general situations may occur in Hermite-type interpolation when higher order interpolation conditions hold in interpolation points. Both a Lagrange description (with elementary basic Lagrangian functions) and a Newton version (i.e., recursive w.r.t.\ degree) of the interpolant are considered. The analysis is based on a rational model, i.e., the structure of the kernel of some Toeplitz operator that can be associated with the problem. In the simplest case of first order Lagrange interpolation, the relation with the Chinese Remainder Theorem is clarified. Some details are skipped in the more general cases. For a rational \(A\) with left coprime factorization \(A=Q^{-1}P\), essentially a weak form is analysed: \(Q(\lambda_i)\eta_i=P(\lambda_i)\xi_i\), which may also result in a strong interpolant \(A\) under prescribed conditions. Again, extensions for right, two-sided and Hermite versions exist. A parametrization of all solutions is given, and attention is paid to the special case where a pole of the rational interpolant coincides with an interpolation point.