On a matrix representation of a free group (Q1966274)

Let \(e_{jk}\) be the standard matrix with one at the intersection of the \(j\)th row and the \(k\)th column and zeros at the other places. Let \(s_{in}=\sum^n_{\substack{ j=1\\ j\neq i}} e_{ji}\) for \(1\leq i\leq n\) and \(G_n(k)\) the group of \((n\times n)\)-matrices generated by the matrices \(U_{in}(k)=E_n+ks_{in}\), \(1\leq i\leq n\), where \(E_n\) is the \(n\)th identity matrix. It is well-known that \(G_2(k)\) is a free group of rank two for \(k\in\mathbb{C}\), \(|k|\geq 2\). For \(n\geq 3\) we now see that \(G_n(k)\) is a free group of rank \(n\) for \(k\in\mathbb{R}\), \(|k|\geq 5\). Surprisingly, \(G_n(2)\) is not free for \(n\geq 3\).