Banded totally positive matrices and normality for mixed multiple orthogonal polynomials

Abstract: This paper serves as an introduction to banded totally positive matrices, exploring various characterizations and associated properties. A significant result within is the demonstration that the collection of such matrices forms a semigroup, notably including a subset permitting positive bidiagonal factorization. Moreover, the paper applies this concept to investigate step line normality concerning the degrees of associated recursion polynomials. It presents a spectral Favard theorem, ensuring the existence of measures, thereby guaranteeing that these recursion polynomials represent mixed multiple orthogonal polynomials that maintain normality on the step line indices.