\(4 \times 4\) irreducible sign pattern matrices that require four distinct eigenvalues (Q6087856)

Sign pattern matrices play a very interesting role in different areas, especially in applied and pure mathematics. The results of this paper are very important in this context. \textit{Z. Li} and \textit{L. Harris} [JP J. Algebra Number Theory Appl. 2, No. 2, 161--179 (2002; Zbl 1030.15009)] characterized the \(2 \times 2\) and \(3 \times 3\) irreducible sign pattern matrices that require all distinct eigenvalues. The authors of this paper characterize \(4 \times 4\) irreducible sign patterns that require four distinct eigenvalues. This is obtained by characterizing \(4 \times 4\) irreducible sign patterns that require different kind of distinct eigenvalues. Some examples and problems are discussed.