Groups of Matrices With Integer Eigenvalues

Abstract

Let F be an algebraic number field, and S a subgroup of the general linear group GL(n, F). We shall call S a U-group if S satisfies the condition (U): Every x ∈ S is a matrix all of whose eigenvalues are algebraic integers. (This is equivalent to either of the following conditions: a) the eigenvalues of each matrix (x are all units as algebraic numbers; b) the characteristic polynomial for x has all its coefficients integers in F. In particular, then, every group of matrices with entries in the integers of F is a U-group.