All Questions
96 questions
6
votes
2
answers
248
views
Extension of a von Neumann algebra by a von Neumann algebra
I asked this question at MSE now I repeat it at MO:
Let $A,B,C$ be $3$ unital $C^*$ algebras. Assume that we have the following short exact sequence of $C^*$-algebras:
$$0\to A\to C\to B\...
6
votes
0
answers
233
views
Group $C^*$ vs group von-Neumann algebras
Let $\Gamma$ be a countable (discrete) group (in what follows, make additional assumptions as you wish). Let $C^*_r(\Gamma)$ and $W^*_r(\Gamma)$ be the reduced $C^*$-algebra respectively the reduced ...
32
votes
3
answers
2k
views
What does it mean for a category to admit direct integrals?
Given an infinite countable group $G$, the category of unitary representations of $G$ admits direct integrals.
Namely, given a measure space $(X,\mu)$ and a measurable family of unitary $G$-reps $(H_x)...
1
vote
0
answers
95
views
An example of a sequence of finite projections
Let $A$ be a vn-algebra. Suppose that $x$ is an isometry with $\inf_{n\geq1} x^nx^{*n}=0$ (Note that $x^nx^{*n}$ are all projections). Let $e$ be a (non-zero) finite projection and put $q_n$ to be ...
6
votes
0
answers
168
views
Characterizing fullness of a von Neumann algebra by the topology of its bimodules
Let $\mathcal{M}$ be a $\mathrm{II}_1$ factor. Among other characterizations, it is said to be full iff the adjoint map:
$$
\mathrm{Ad}: U(\mathcal{M})/\mathbb{T} \longrightarrow \mathrm{Aut}(\...
3
votes
1
answer
309
views
How rich the group of unitary elements in a von Neumann algebra to get "Murray-von Neumann" equivalence?
Denote by $\sim$ the "Murray-von Neumann" equivalence in the projection lattice of a von Neumann algebra. It is well known that in a finite von Neumann algebra the equivalence of projections can be ...
6
votes
0
answers
132
views
Schröder–Bernstein for representations of operator algebras
This is claimed in a Wikipedia Article:
If two representations (of a $C^*$-algebra $A$) $\rho$ and $\sigma$, on Hilbert spaces $H$ and $G$ respectively, are each unitarily equivalent to a ...
3
votes
2
answers
397
views
Is the ideal property of $X^{**}$ inheritable to $X$?
Let $X$ be an operator space such that there is a weak$^*$-continuous complete isometry $\phi$ from its second dual $X^{**}$ into a $W^*$-algebra $M$ in which $\phi(X^{**})$ is a (necessarily weak$^*$-...
7
votes
1
answer
429
views
Open projections and Murray-von Neumann equivalence
Let $\mathcal{A}$ be a $C^*$-algebra and $p\in\mathcal{A}^{**}$ be an open projection, that is, $p=p^*=p^2$ and $p\in\overline{(p\mathcal{A}^{**}p\cap\hat{\mathcal{A}})}^{\operatorname{w}^*}$, where $\...
2
votes
0
answers
164
views
An operator valued Egoroff's theorem
The following statements suggests $B(H)$-valued Egoroff's theorem when $H$ is a separable Hilbert space. Probably it will be hold even if a von Neumann algebra $M$ whose predual is separable is ...
3
votes
0
answers
141
views
Existence of a unique cyclic and separating vector in a *-representation
I'm interested in knowing the requirements for a $*$-representation, $\pi_{\omega}$, of a C*-algebra, $\mathbb{C}(\mathcal{G})$, (or equivalently the requirements for the unitary representation, $U_{\...
3
votes
0
answers
178
views
A point concerning absolute value of functionals
Let $M$ be a von Neumann sub-algebra in $B(H)$. Let $\phi$ be a normal functional on $M$. Assume $\psi$ is a normal functional on $B(H)$ with $\psi_{|_M}=\phi$ (note that $\phi$ and $\psi$ may have ...
15
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Is a C*-algebra with an isomorphic predual a von Neumann algebra?
It is well-known that a C*-algebra $A$ is a von Neumann algebra if and only if it has an isometric predual, that is, if and only if there exists a Banach space $X$ such that $A$ is isometrically ...
4
votes
0
answers
187
views
The weak-star closure of closed left ideals corresponding to pure states
I asked this question at math.stackexchange and received no comment.
Let $A$ be a C*-algebra and $\phi$ be a positive linear functional on $A$. Let $\tilde{\phi}$ be its unique $w^*$-continuous ...
4
votes
1
answer
135
views
Is the module action $M\times M^*\to M^*$ jointly continuous?
Let $M$ be a W*-algebra and consider the following map:
$$\gamma: M\times M^*\to M^*: (a,f)\to af$$
where $af(b)=f(ba)$. Let us consider $M$ under the weak topology $\sigma(M,M^*)$ and $M^*$ under ...
0
votes
0
answers
134
views
semifinite projection
Let $M$ be von Neumann algebra, $p$ be semiefinite projection and $q$ be projection in $M$ such that $Z(q)=Z(p)$.
( $p$ is semifinite projection if every nonzero subprojection of $p$ contains a ...
7
votes
1
answer
433
views
How the modular theory of von Neumann algebras, deal with generating C*-algebras?
Let $H$ be a separable infinite dimensional Hilbert space, $M \subset B(H)$ a von Neumann algebra and $A \subset M$ a separable ${\rm C}^*$-algebra such that $A''=M$. Suppose the existence of a ...
4
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Murray–von Neumann equivalence on C$^*$-algebra and von Neumann algebra
Let $H$ be a separable infinite dimensional Hilbert space, $M \subset B(H)$ a von Neumann algebra and $A \subset M$ a separable $C^*$-algebra such that $A''=M$.
Let $p,q \in M_{\infty}(A)$ be (...
4
votes
1
answer
217
views
Noncommutative version of Littlewood's First Principle
There are definitely noncommutative analogues for Lusin's theorem and Egoroff's theorem (found in Blackadar for example). I'm curious if there is a version of the first principle:
Every Lebesgue
...
4
votes
1
answer
445
views
von Neumann algebras generated by commutators
Let $A$ be a UHF-algebra of type $n^{\infty}$ and denote its unique and faithful trace by $\tau$. Let $L^2(A)$ be the Hilbert space of the GNS-representation associated to $\tau$. We have two ...
1
vote
1
answer
251
views
On the relation between the set of extreme points of the unit ball of $M(X)$ and $M(X)^{**}$
Suppose that $X$ is a locally compact topological space. Let $M(X)$ denote the Banach space of regular Borel measures on $X$. It is known that the bidual of $C_0(X)$ is a commutative $C^*-$algebra. ...
5
votes
2
answers
208
views
Extension of $C^*$ isomorphism to $W^*$ isomorphism
Let $\mathfrak{A}$ be $C^*$algebra, and $\pi$ its faithful representation on Hilbert space $\mathcal{H}$. Bicommutant $\mathfrak{B}=\pi(\mathfrak{A})''$ is the von Neumann algebra generated by $\pi(\...
17
votes
5
answers
2k
views
If two projections are close, then they are unitarily equivalent
Given two projections $p,q\in B(H)$, it is well-known that if $\|p-q\|<1$, then there exists a unitary $u\in B(H)$ with $q=upu^*$.
The proof that immediately occurs to me uses comparison of ...
7
votes
1
answer
701
views
A Question About Pure States, Support Projections and Central Covers
I am trying to study the paper Consistency of a Counterexample to Naimark’s Problem by Charles Akemann and Nik Weaver, and there is a claim in Lemma 1 of the paper that I am stuck at, which is as ...
9
votes
2
answers
883
views
Are the reduced group Von Neumann algebra/ Group $C^{\ast}$ algebra functorial in the case of LCH groups
Let $G$ be a LCH group and $\mu$ be its left Haar measure. Call $\lambda_G : G \to U(L_2(G,\mu))$ the left regular representation. We can define the reduced $C^{\ast}$ algebra and reduced Von Neumann ...
3
votes
1
answer
481
views
Question on structure of von Neumann algebras, clarification in Conway's "A course in operator theory"
I was reading the section on the structure of type I von Neumann algebras in John B. Conway's "A course in operator theory" and a few questions about certain definitions and references arose, I was ...
12
votes
1
answer
901
views
Is there a proof that the $C^{*}$-algebras don't see the invariant subspace problem?
This post is an appendix of this one.
Let $H$ be an infinite dimensional separable Hilbert space and $B(H)$ the algebra of bounded operators.
Invariant subspace problem: Let $T \in B(H)$. Is ...
8
votes
0
answers
952
views
About generator and isomorphism problems for free groups operator algebras
Let $H$ be an infinite dimensional separable Hilbert space.
The $C^{*}$-algebras and von Neumann here unital and subalgebras of $B(H)$.
Definition : Let $\mathcal{A}$ be $C^{*}$-algebra (resp. a von ...
6
votes
1
answer
680
views
Is there an operator algebraic reformulation of the invariant subspace problem?
Let $H$ be an infinite dimensional separable Hilbert space and $B(H)$ the algebra of bounded operators.
Invariant subspace problem: Let $T \in B(H)$. Is there a non-trivial closed $T$-invariant ...
6
votes
1
answer
643
views
Is there an irreducible, noncompact commuting, nonnormal operator, with spectrum strictly continuous?
Let $H$ be an infinite dimensional separable Hilbert space.
Definition: The commutant $\mathcal{S}'$ of a subset $\mathcal{S} \subset B(H)$ is $ \{A \in B(H) : AB=BA \ , \ \forall B \in \mathcal{S} \}...
5
votes
2
answers
988
views
Projections in a W*-algebra as a continuous lattice?
A continuous lattice is a complete lattice $L$ in which every element $y$ is equal to $\bigvee${$x \in L \mid x \ll y$} where $x \ll y$ ("x approximates y" or "x is way below y") if for any directed ...
4
votes
1
answer
464
views
Kadison-Singer problem in exotic Hilbert spaces
The Kadison-Singer problem is considered in relation to the separable Hilbert space:
KS: Does every pure state on the diagonal (atomic) masa of $B(\ell_2)$ has a unique extension to $B(\ell_2)$?
...
1
vote
1
answer
611
views
Commutant of a von Neumann algebra as the linear span of unitaries.
I'm reading chapter 4 of Gerard Murphy's C*-algebras book and am confused by a statement in his proof of theorem 4.1.10. In his proof, he says, "$A'$ is the linear span of its unitaries" (where $A'$ ...
16
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Von Neumann algebra associated to the infinite Cuntz algebra
The Cuntz algebra $\mathcal{O}_{\infty}$ is the universal $C^*$-algebra generated by countably infinitely many isometries $s_i$ satisfying the relations $s_i^*s_j = \delta_{ij}$ (there is no condition ...
10
votes
1
answer
492
views
Which W*-algebras are the duals of C*-coalgebras?
A Banach algebra (assumed associative and unital) is precisely a monoid object in the monoidal category of Banach spaces, short linear maps, and the projective tensor product. A Banach coalgebra is ...
4
votes
0
answers
282
views
Extensions of completely positive mappings
I would like to ask the following two questions.
Let $1_{\mathcal{H}}\in \mathcal{A}\subset\mathcal{B}\subset\overline{\mathcal{A}}^{SOT}\subset\mathbb{B}(\mathcal{H})$ be a sequence of $C^{\ast}$-...
8
votes
2
answers
961
views
The monotone closure of a $C^*$-algebra
Related to Jon's question, I have two questions. Let $\mathcal{A}$ be a concrete $C^*$-algebra on a Hilbert space $\mathcal{H}$. For any selfadjoint subset $S$ of $\mathbb{B}(\mathcal{H})$, let $S^m$ ...
13
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Does the hyperfinite II_1 factor admit two irreducible representations that are not unitarily equivalent?
Regarding the hyperfinite $II_{1}$ factor $R$ as $C^{*}$-algebra, is it known whether any two irreducible representations of $R$ are unitarily equivalent? If it is known that there exists a pair of ...
8
votes
1
answer
460
views
Finite dimensionality of certain $C^{\star}$-algebras
In the discussion about the question Finite-dimensional subalgebras of $C^{\star}$-algebras the following separate question came up:
Let $H$ be a Hilbert space and $a_1, \dots, a_n \in B(H)$ be self-...
5
votes
3
answers
633
views
Ideal of "Compact Operators" in a W*-algebra which gives the sigma-strong-* topology.
In the case of bounded operators on a Hilbert space $\mathcal{H}$, $L(\mathcal{H})$, there are multiple descriptions of the $\sigma$-strong-* topology, namely:
1) As given by seminorms $p_{\phi},~p_{\...
28
votes
0
answers
2k
views
Finite-dimensional subalgebras of $C^\star$-algebras
Let $A$ be a unital $C^\star$-algebra and let $a_1,\dots,a_n$ be a finite list of normal elements in $A$ which (together with their adjoints) generate a norm-dense $\star$-subalgebra $B \subset A$. ...
15
votes
0
answers
790
views
Must we close weakly to apply the spectral theorem?
Let $H$ be an infinite dimensional separable complex Hilbert space. All C*-subalgebras of $B(H)$ are assumed to be non-degenerate.
The spectral projections of a self-adjoint element $T$ of $B(H)$ lie ...
3
votes
2
answers
429
views
Kernel projections in the universal representation.
Let $A \subseteq \mathcal B(\mathcal H)$ be a unital C*-algebra in its universal representation. The GNS representation $\pi_\mu\colon A \rightarrow \mathcal B(\mathcal H_\mu)$ with base state $\mu$ ...
16
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Is the group von Neumann algebra construction functorial?
Let $G$ be a group and $CG$ the complex group algebra over the field $C$ of complex number. The group von Neumann algebra $NG$ is the completion of $CG$ wrt weak operator norm in $B(l^2(G))$, the set ...
8
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Definition of a von Neumann algebra
Is there a way to equip every C*-algebra A with a functorial topology such that
the canonical map A→A** is an isomorphism if and only if A is a von Neumann algebra?
Here A** denotes the dual of A* in ...
14
votes
2
answers
899
views
Do torsion-free groups give projectionless group ($C^\ast$) algebras?
One of the reasons I study von Neumann algebras is that they always have plenty of projections. There are many projectionless $C^\ast$-algebras ($0$ and possibly $1$ are the only projections), but the ...