Simplicity, sign, and ratio conjecture for the Gauss transfer operator eigenvalues

Let λn\lambda_n be the eigenvalues of the transfer operator for the Gauss continued fraction map, arranged so that λ1λ2|\lambda_1|\geq |\lambda_2|\geq\cdots, and let ϕ=(1+5)/2\phi=(1+\sqrt{5})/2. Simplicity, sign, and ratio conjecture. The following three statements are true: the eigenvalues are simple and λn|\lambda_n| strictly decreases; they have alternating sign,

(1)n+1λn>0;(-1)^{n+1}\lambda_n>0;

and

limnλnλn+1=3+52=ϕ2.\lim_{n\to\infty}\frac{\lambda_n}{\lambda_{n+1}}=-\frac{3+\sqrt{5}}{2}=-\phi^2.

These were described as three outstanding unresolved problems concerning the eigenvalues; the claims concern their simplicity, signs, and asymptotic ratio.

Sources & referencesView supporting material

Primary source

Giedrius Alkauskas, “Transfer operator for the Gauss' continued fraction map. I. Structure of the eigenvalues and trace formulas”, arXiv:1210.4083 (2018).

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