Factorization of unitary matrices

Factorization of n × n unitary matrices as a product of n diagonal phase matrices interlaced with n − 1 orthogonal matrices, each one generated by a real vector, is provided. As a byproduct an explicit form for the Weyl factorization of unitary matrices is given. The results can be used at the parametrization of complex Hadamard matrices and in finding the Laplace–Beltrami operators on unitary groups.