On a class of rational matrices and interpolating polynomials related to the discrete Laplace operator

Abstract

Let $\dlap$ be the discrete Laplace operator acting on functions (or rational matrices) $f:{\mathbf{Q}}_L\to \mathbb{Q}$, where ${\mathbf{Q}}_L$ is the two dimensional lattice of size $L$ embedded in ${\mathbb{Z}}_2$. Consider a rational $L\times L$ matrix $\mathcal{H}$, whose inner entries ${\mathcal{H}}_{ij}$ satisfy $\dlap\mathcal{H}_{ij}=0$. The matrix $\mathcal{H}$ is thus the classical finite difference five-points approximation of the Laplace operator in two variables. We give a constructive proof that $\mathcal{H}$ is the restriction to ${\mathbf{Q}}_L$ of a discrete harmonic polynomial in two variables for any $L>2$. This result proves a conjecture formulated in the context of deterministic fixed-energy sandpile models in statistical mechanics.

18 pag, submitted to "Note di Matematica"