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Let $A$ be a $C^*$-algebra and $E$ be a (right) Hilbert $C^*$-module over $A$. Assume $F$ is a closed submodule of $E$ such that $F^\perp := \{x \in E: \langle x, F\rangle=0\}$ is orthogonally complemented, i.e. we have $F^\perp \oplus F^{\perp \perp} = E.$ Can we conclude that $F$ is orthogonally complemented, and if this is the case do we have $F= F^{\perp \perp}$?

I know that in general we don't need to have $F= F^{\perp \perp}$. However, when $F$ is orthogonally complemented, i.e. $F\oplus F^\perp = E$ this is obvious. For Hilbert spaces (i.e. $A = \mathbb{C}$), there are no counterexamples.

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If $F^\perp =\{0\}$ then $F^\perp \oplus F^{\perp\perp} = E$ is automatic, so all you need is an example of this where $F \neq E$. For instance, $C[0,1]$ as a Hilbert module over itself with $F =$ the functions which vanish at 0.

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  • $\begingroup$ Thanks! Nice example. I should keep this in mind. $\endgroup$
    – Andromeda
    Commented Aug 20, 2021 at 20:35
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    $\begingroup$ Yeah, I guess the first places I look for Hilbert module counterexamples are when $E$ is commutative, or when $E$ is a module over itself (or, in this case, both). $\endgroup$
    – Nik Weaver
    Commented Aug 20, 2021 at 20:40

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