Maps on matrices that preserve the spectrum (Q636229)

It is shown that if a continuous map \(T\) on complex \(n\)--by--\(n\) matrices, normalized with \(T(0)=0\), compresses the spectrum in a sense that \(\sigma(T(a)-T(b))\subseteq\sigma(a-b)\) holds for all matrices \(a,b\) then \(T\) is a linear bijection. Using a result proved by \textit{M. Marcus} and \textit{R. Purves}, [Can. J. Math. 11, 61--66 (1959; Zbl 0086.01704)] it then easily follows that \(T\) is an inner isomorphism, possibly composed by transposition. The proof relies on the fact that the composition of \(T\) with trace functional is a Lipschitzian function. A stronger result is obtained for maps which expand the spectrum in a sense that \(\sigma(T(a)-T(b))\supseteq\sigma(a-b)\) holds for all matrices \(a,b\). Then, the same conclusion is drawn even without assuming continuity of \(T\).