3
$\begingroup$

Consider the von Neumann subalgebra of $M\otimes M$ by $ B= \mathrm{vN} \{T\otimes T: T\in M\}$. What is the commutant of B?

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

2
$\begingroup$

We need $M \subseteq B(H)$ in order for the commutant to make sense. So $B \subseteq B(H\otimes H)$. The commutant of $B$ is the von Neumann algebra $C$ generated by $M' \otimes M'$ and the flip unitary $u$ acting on $H \otimes H$. It's clear that $B$ is contained in $C'$; conversely, if $x \in C'$ then $\phi(x) = x$ where $\phi$ is the flip automorphism of $B(H\otimes H)$ (= conjugation by $u$), which implies that $x$ lies in the symmetric part of $B(H)\otimes B(H)$ (see the argument here, replacing norm limits by bounded weak* limits), and also, commuting with $M'\otimes M' \subseteq C$ implies that $x \in M\otimes M$. Thus $x$ lies in $B =$ the symmetric part of $M\otimes M$. This shows that $B = C'$.

$\endgroup$
6
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Assume $M$ is in standard form sitting inside $B(L^2(M,\tau))$, sorry for not mentioning $\endgroup$
    – user136400
    Apr 15, 2019 at 13:37
  • $\begingroup$ Does there exist canonical trace on $C$ if M is tracial? $\endgroup$
    – user136400
    Apr 15, 2019 at 14:16
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ I think so, if $H = L^2(M)$ then $H\otimes H = L^2(M\otimes M)$ and there is a canonical trace on $(M\otimes M)' = M' \otimes M'$. I guess every element of $C$ has the form $x + uy$ where $x,y \in M'\otimes M'$, and then you just define $\tau(x + uy) = \tau(x)$. $\endgroup$
    – Nik Weaver
    Apr 15, 2019 at 14:41
  • $\begingroup$ But that is not faithful trace!! $\endgroup$
    – user136400
    Apr 16, 2019 at 4:36
  • $\begingroup$ You sure about that? Note that every positive element has $y=0$. $\endgroup$
    – Nik Weaver
    Apr 16, 2019 at 11:36

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.