The classification conjecture for surjective rank-k projector maps when n=2k
Let be an -dimensional Hilbert space, and let denote the set of rank- orthogonal projectors on . Assume that and that is surjective. Let be the previously defined complementary-projector map, and let the maps of the form in equation be the standard maps under consideration. Classification conjecture. Every such surjective map is either a map of the form in equation or the composition of one of those maps with , namely . This conjecture concerns the remaining classification problem for surjective endomorphisms of the rank- projector space in the case , where the complementary-projector construction gives additional maps beyond the standard form. The supplied text does not state a resolution, so the conjecture is recorded as open.
References
Primary source
Gniewomir Sarbicki, Dariusz Chruściński and Marek Mozrzymas, “Generalising Wigner's theorem”, arXiv:1602.04968 (2016).
Progress summary
No public proof or counterexample has been found, so the classification conjecture remains open.
A 2016 paper proposed that every surjective map on rank- orthogonal projectors in dimension has the standard unitary or transpose-unitary form, possibly composed with the complementary-projector map . The paper records this as a conjecture rather than a theorem.
Known results
- For prime dimension , every surjective rank- projector map has the standard form.
- If and , the conjecture would force the standard form without the complementary-projector exception.
- A classification is known under the stronger assumption that the map is positive and unital on the full operator algebra; this does not settle arbitrary surjective maps.
Current status (as of August 2026): The classification remains an open conjecture; no public proof, counterexample, or claimed resolution was found.
Sources
Solutions 0
No solutions have been posted yet.