A positivstellensatz for non-commutative polynomials

Abstract

A non-commutative polynomial which is positive on a bounded semi-algebraic set of operators has a weighted sum of squares representation. This Positivstellensatz parallels similar results in the commutative case. A broader issue is, to what extent does real semi-algebraic geometry extend to non-commutative polynomials? Our “strict" Positivstellensatz is positive news, on the opposite extreme from strict positivity would be a Real Nullstellensatz. We give an example which shows that there is no non-commutative Real Nullstellensatz along certain lines. However, we include a successful type of non-commutative Nullstellensatz proved by George Bergman.