Characteristics of Eigenvalues Realized by Path-Connected Sets of Matrices

Abstract

We consider path-connected sets of matrices and the induced paths between eigenvalues. We discuss the equivalence relation generated by these paths, and how it relates to the presence of higher multiplicity eigenvalues realized by the set. Particular interest is applied to the convex hull of matrices, where additional characterizations are provided of this phenomena, and computational methods are given for further study.