Abstract

We describe canonical forms for elements of a classical Lie group of matrices under similarity transformations in the group. Matrices in the associated Lie algebra and Jordan algebra of matrices inherit related forms under these similarity transformations. In general, one cannot achieve diagonal or Schur form, but the form that can be achieved displays the eigenvalues of the matrix. We also discuss matrices in intersections of these classes and their Schur-like forms. Such multistructered matrices arise in applications from quantum physics and quantum chemistry.