All Questions
22 questions
8
votes
1
answer
716
views
A non-hyperfinite type III factor from an action of the free group on the circle
We define below a von Neumann algebra $\mathcal{M}$ from an action of the free group on the circle, and we prove that $\mathcal{M}$ is a non-hyperfinite type ${\rm III}$ factor.
Question : Is $\...
26
votes
3
answers
2k
views
About the category of von neumann algebras
I am looking for one (or more) reference about properties of the category of von Neumann algebra.
More precisely, in an answer of a previous question, Dmitri Pavlov mentions
that the $W^*$ category ...
- 357
23
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Are almost commuting hermitian matrices close to commuting matrices (in the 2-norm)?
I consider on $M_n(\mathbb C)$ the normalized $2$-norm, i.e. the norm given by $\|A\|_2 = \sqrt{\mathrm{Tr}(A^* A)/n}$.
My question is whether a $k$-uple of hermitian matrices that are almost ...
- 9,486
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 ...
- 2,754
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 ...
3
votes
0
answers
200
views
What are the first non-maximal non-group-subgroup simple irreducible subfactors?
Definition: For an irreducible (finite index) subfactor $(\mathcal{N} \subset \mathcal{M})$, an intermediate $(\mathcal{N} \subset \mathcal{P} \subset \mathcal{M})$
is normal if the biprojections $e_{\...
2
votes
1
answer
233
views
${\rm II}_1$-factors with finite commutant: $\mathcal{A} \cap \mathcal{B} = \mathbb{C} \Rightarrow \mathcal{A}' \cap \mathcal{B}'$ hyperfinite?
Let $\mathcal{A} , \mathcal{B} \subset B(H)$ be ${\rm II}_1$-factors such that $\mathcal{A}', \mathcal{B}' $ are also a ${\rm II}_1$-factors.
Question: $\mathcal{A} \cap \mathcal{B} = \mathbb{...
34
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Can we recover a von Neumann algebra from its predual?
By definition, a von Neumann algebra is a C*‑algebra A
that admits a predual, i.e., a Banach space Z such that
Z* is isomorphic to the underlying Banach space of A.
(We require that isomorphisms in ...
- 37.8k
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 ...
12
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Making sense of "every non-commutative algebra has its own internal time evolution (aka a one-parameter group)"?
I've listened to many interviews and lectures of Alain Connes, in which he says something which goes roughly as follows
"Every non-commutative algebra has its own time (evolution of), by which I ...
- 6,853
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 ...
user36116
7
votes
1
answer
545
views
Is the fundamental group of $II_{1}$ factors invariant under a relation?
In order to define the equivalence relation, let's first recall the Tomita-Takesaki modular theory and conditional expectation for von Neumann algebras.
Let $H$ be a separable Hilbert space and $B(H)$...
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 $\...
- 619
7
votes
1
answer
592
views
topologies on U(H)
There are many topologies on the algebra $B(H)$ of bounded operators on Hilbert space:
the weak, strong, ultraweak (also called σ-weak), ultrastrong (also called σ-strong), and some more......
- 43.2k
4
votes
0
answers
115
views
Questions related to a paper of Cowling-Haagerup and uniform lattices of $\mathrm{Sp}(1,n)$
I am reading the following paper of Cowling and Haagerup for my master’s thesis. I am new to this area so I am not very conversant. So I do apologize if the questions are silly.
Question 1. In the ...
- 131
3
votes
2
answers
207
views
Commutative direct summands of C*-algebras
I have a question about commutative direct summands of $C$*-algebras.
Let $A$ be a $C$*-algebra (with unit) and suppose that its bidual $A^{**}$ has a commutative direct summand, that is, $A^{**}=B\...
- 633
3
votes
1
answer
252
views
What is the story behind this Hilbert space in the definition of Hilbert Modules
Here is Deflnition 1.5 of Hilbert module in "L^2-invariants: theory and applications to geometry and K-theory", Springer-Verlag, 2002, by W. Lück:
A Hilbert $\mathcal N(G)$-module $V$ is a Hilbert ...
- 2,118
3
votes
2
answers
361
views
${\rm II}_1$-factors with finite commutant and trivial intersection generate $B(H)$?
Let $H$ be an $\infty$-dimensional separable Hilbert space and $B(H)$ the algebra of bounded operators.
Let $\mathcal{A}$, $\mathcal{B} \subset B(H)$ be ${\rm II}_1$-factors such that $\mathcal{A}'$, $...
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$^*$-...
- 619
2
votes
2
answers
864
views
Decomposition of an abelian von Neumann algebra
Hi, I came across the statement below and I couldn't figure out why it is true. I was hoping someone could explain it or give me a good reference. Thank you in advance.
"Let $\pi$ be a non-degenerate ...
2
votes
1
answer
471
views
Takesaki II proposition 3.15 proof about modular automorphism groups: mistake in book?
Consider the following fragment from Takesaki's second volume "Theory of operator algebras" in chapter VIII "Modular automorphism groups" p122-123.
Why is it possible to choose an ...
- 175
0
votes
2
answers
225
views
Isomorphism theorem for subfactors?
It's about the existence of a generalization of the first isomorphism theorem for groups, for subfactors :
Let $(N \subset M)$ and $(N' \subset M')$ be irreducible inclusions of hyperfinite $II_1$ ...