Characterizations of complex P-matrices

Abstract

A P-matrix is a square matrix all of whose principal minors are positive. The characterization of real P-matrices as matrices that do not reverse the sign of any nonzero real vector is generalized to complex P-matrices by associating them with the reflection of complex vectors. This prompts the extension of other P-matrix properties and related real matrix classes to the complex field. In particular, semipositivity of real P-matrices is generalized to complex P-matrices. Principal pivot transforms and Cayley transforms of complex P-matrices are also considered.