Higher Rank Numerical Ranges and Unitary Dilations

Abstract

Here we show that for $k\in \mathbb N,$ the closure of the $k$-rank numerical range of a contraction $A$ acting on an infinite-dimensional Hilbert space $\mathcal{H}$ is the intersection of the closure of the $k$-rank numerical ranges of all unitary dilations of $A$ to $\mathcal{H}\oplus\mathcal{H}.$ The same is true for $k=\infty$ provided the $\infty$-rank numerical range of $A$ is non-empty. These generalize a finite dimensional result of Gau, Li and Wu. We also show that when both defect numbers of a contraction are equal and finite ($=N$), one may restrict the intersection to a smaller family consisting of all unitary $N$-dilations. A result of {Bercovici and Timotin} on unitary $N$-dilations is used to prove it. Finally, we have investigated the same problem for the $C$-numerical range and obtained the answer in negative.