All Questions
Tagged with operator-algebras or oa.operator-algebras
2,152 questions
13
votes
2
answers
349
views
Is the domain of an operator valued weight closed under Hahn-Jordan decomposition?
Let $N\subseteq M$ be an inclusion of semi-finite factors with normal faithful semi-finite traces $\operatorname{Tr}_N$ and $\operatorname{Tr}_M$ respectively. Let $T: M^+\to \widehat{N^+}$ be the ...
- 5,425
13
votes
2
answers
696
views
C$^*$-algebras isomorphic after tensoring
From the negative answer to this question we know that C$^*$-algebras that are isomorphic after tensoring with $M_n$ for all $n\geq 2$ need not be isomorphic. So what happens when we strengthen this?
...
- 3,984
13
votes
1
answer
1k
views
A generalization of the Powers-Stormer inequality
The well-known Powers-Stormer inequality says the following: for positive semidefinite operators $A, B$, we have that $\mathrm{Tr}((A - B)(A - B)) \leq \| A^2 - B^2 \|_1$, where $\| \cdot \|_1$ ...
- 2,009
13
votes
1
answer
706
views
A left inverse for the comultiplication on a Hopf von Neumann algebra
Edit: incorrect claim at end of earlier version; thanks to Matthew Daws for pointing this out in comments.
$\newcommand{\cM}{{\mathcal M}}\newcommand{\stp}{{\overline{\otimes}}}$The following ...
- 25.8k
13
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Endomorphism of type III factor: can it satisfy $\phi\circ\phi = \phi\oplus\phi$?
I'm still trying to get some feeling about this question...
Given Jesse Peterson's answer to this question (he showed that $\phi\circ\phi\sim\phi$ is impossible), I suspect that the following is also ...
- 43.2k
13
votes
2
answers
775
views
Properties of orthogonality-preserving c.p. maps between $C^*$-algebras
Suppose that $A,C$ are $C^*$-algebras and $\phi:A \to C$ is a completely positive, orthogonality-preserving linear map.
(Orthogonality preserving means: if $a,b \in A$ satisfy $ab=0$ then $\phi(a)\phi(...
- 1,786
13
votes
1
answer
404
views
Self map of unitary group
Let $H$ be a Hilbert space and let $u_1 \in U(H)$ be a unitary operator on $H$. Consider the self-map $w: U(H) \to U(H)$ which is given by
$$w(v) := v^2 u_1 v^{-1}.$$
Since $U(H)$ is connected, there ...
- 25.5k
13
votes
0
answers
331
views
Lie theory for quantum groups?
$\DeclareMathOperator\SU{SU}$I know about quantum groups from two perspectives:
Compact quantum groups in the sense of Woronowicz.
Deformation of the universal enveloping algebra of a Lie algebra in ...
- 357
13
votes
0
answers
573
views
Classical (i.e. commutative) spaces with quantum symmetry but no classical symmetry
In a recent preprint (arXiv:2311.04889), my coauthors and I constructed a sequence of graphs with no classical symmetry which nevertheless have quantum symmetry.
For graphs this had been an open ...
- 2,339
13
votes
0
answers
174
views
Existence of more than two C*-norms on algebraic tensor product of C*-algebras
Let $A$ and $B$ be two C*-algebras. Then $(A,B)$ is called is a nuclear pair if there is a unique $C^*$-norm on the algebraic tensor product $A\odot B$.
If $A$ or $B$ is nuclear, then all pairs $(A,B)$...
- 536
13
votes
0
answers
3k
views
Connes Embedding Conjecture is false [closed]
This preprint from yesterday claims to prove that Connes Embedding Conjecture fails.
Since the paper is from outside Operator Algebras (Computer Science/Quantum Computing) and they actually work on ...
- 2,793
13
votes
0
answers
474
views
Does anybody know if the Fourier algebra of SL(3,Z) has an approximate identity?
(Note to those who like to tidy LaTeX, or ${\rm \LaTeX}$: I kindly request that you don't put any LaTeX in the title of this question, nor change the bolds below to blackboard bold.)$\newcommand{\FA}{{...
- 25.8k
13
votes
0
answers
564
views
Symmetric (extended) Haagerup tensor product
Given a von Neumann algebra M, then the weak$^*$ (or extended) Haagerup tensor product of M with itself is the collection of $\tau\in M\overline\otimes M$ with $$\tau=\sum_i x_i\otimes y_i$$ the sum ...
- 18.7k
12
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Mysterious quotes (at least for me)
I heard two quotes, one from Alain Connes and an other one from Orlov.
Alain Connes was talking about noncommutative geometry and he said the following:
" a noncommutative algebra creates its own ...
- 1,607
12
votes
5
answers
2k
views
Group ring and left zero divisor
Let $K$ be a finite field and $G$ be a discrete group.
Is it true that for every $a,b\in K[G]$ the condition $ab=0$ implies $ba=0$?
It does not seem to be related to zero divisor problem, any ...
- 4,705
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
461
views
Maximal ideals of ultraproducts of full matrix algebras
Let $\mathscr U$ be a non-principal ultrafilter over the natural numbers. Let $M_{\mathscr U}$ be the ultraproduct of all full matrix algebras $M_n$ along $\mathscr U$. This is a C*-algebra that is ...
- 11.3k
12
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Is there a purely group-theoretic reformulation of an equivalence of subgroups?
There is an equivalence relation between inclusion of finite groups coming from the world of subfactors:
Definition: $(H_{1} \subset G_{1}) \sim(H_{2} \subset G_{2})$ if $(R^{G_{1}} \subset R^{H_{1}}...
12
votes
2
answers
341
views
Which $K$-groups $K(C^*_r(G))$ are computed?
We have the Pimsner-Voiculescu exact sequences and the Baum-Connes map
for possible computation of the $K$-theory of the reduced group $C^*$-algebra $C^*_r(G)$ for a topological, locally compact, ...
- 685
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
12
votes
1
answer
498
views
Completely positive maps-equivalent definition
The most usual definition of the completely positive map (c.p.) between two C*-algebras (say, unital) is the following: $\sigma: A \to B$ should satisfy $\sigma(1)=1$ and for each $n \in \mathbb{N}$ ...
- 9,330
12
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Intuitive meaning of Double Commutant Theorem
Is there any intuitive explanation of the Double Commutant Theorem for Von Neumann Algebras? By intuitive I mean in terms of Quantum Mechanics. For example, duality of states and observables in the ...
- 2,106
12
votes
3
answers
1k
views
What's algebraic approach to QM good for?
The algebraic formulation of quantum mechanics (and related stuff, like quantum thermodynamics & dynamical systems etc.) via C*-algebras provides a viewpoint based mostly on abstract functional ...
- 3,323
12
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Decomposition of positive definite matrices.
It is known that a $n^2 \times n^2$ positive semidefinite matrix $A$ cannot always be written as a finite sum
$$
A=\sum_{j} B_j \otimes C_j
$$
with $B_j$ and $C_j$ positive semidefinite matrices (of ...
12
votes
4
answers
877
views
Can you describe the image of the exponential map $B(H)\to B(H)$?
James Tener asks at the 20-questions seminar:
The exponential map $\exp:B(H)\to B(H)$ is just defined by its Taylor series. Can you describe its image?
- 1,059
12
votes
2
answers
547
views
Balls in spaces of operators
I am interested in some geometrical aspects of spaces $L(E)$, of bounded operators on a given Banach space $E$. I am unable to estimate if my problem deserves to be asked at MO, but let me try.
Is ...
- 121
12
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Do Burnside Group Factors have Gamma?
The Free Burnside group $G=B(2,665)=\langle a,b|g^{665} \rangle$ is infinite, by the work of Adyan and Novikov. Furthermore, the centralizer of any nonidentity element in $G$ is finite cyclic, and so ...
- 7,047
12
votes
1
answer
607
views
Almost idempotent approximate units in C*-algebras
As in Blackadar's "Operator Algebras" Definition II.4.1.1., call an approximate unit $(a_\lambda)$ in the positive unit ball of a C*-algebra almost idempotent if $a_\lambda a_\gamma=a_\lambda$ ...
- 1,307
12
votes
2
answers
479
views
C*-algebras with no nontrivial endomorphisms
Pick a C*-algebra $A$ and call a (*-)endomorphism $\alpha:A\to A$ nontrivial if it is injective and $\alpha(A)\neq A$.
Question: Do there exist infinite dimensional C*-algebras with no nontrivial ...
- 1,411
12
votes
1
answer
329
views
Ideals in smooth subalgebras of C*-algebras
Let $B$ be a $C^{*}$-algebra and $\mathcal{B}$ a dense *-subalgebra stable under holomorphic functional calculus and $C^{1}$-functional calculus for selfadjoint elements. Also, $\mathcal{B}$ is a ...
- 213
12
votes
0
answers
814
views
Why do some tricks in homological algebra work over the category of C*-algebras?
The category of $C^*$-algebras is not abelian (a "proof" that it is pre-abelian can be found here, but it does not seem correct; I can't find any authoritative sources). However, it's ...
- 1,084
12
votes
0
answers
373
views
Does Thompson's group $V$ have property AP?
Property AP: A discrete group $\Gamma$ has property AP (Approximation Property) if there exists a net $(\phi_i)_{i \in I}$ of finitely supported functions on $\Gamma$ such that $\phi_i \to 1 $ weak$^*$...
12
votes
0
answers
386
views
Does every commutative $*$-algebra of operators on a prehilbert space have a character?
My question can be equivalently stated as follows:
Let $A$ be a complex commutative algebra with involution, and assume there exists a non-zero homomorphism $\pi:A\to L(V)$ to the algebra of linear ...
- 541
12
votes
0
answers
310
views
Subfactors of $L(F_{\infty})$
It is a well known result that any subfactor of the hyperfinite $II_{1}$ factor is hyperfinite. I wonder if there is any finite index version of this for free group factors. In particular is it true ...
- 629
11
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Is the strong operator topology metrizable?
Let $X$ be a separable Banach space. Is the strong operator topology metrizable on $B(X)$, the space of all bounded operators on $X$?
SOT-$\lim T_i=0~$ if and only if $~\lim \|T_ix\|=0$ for every $x\...
- 4,058
11
votes
4
answers
2k
views
What kind of completion is this?
Let $X$ be a compact Hausdorff space, and $C(X)$ the unital commutative C*-algebra of continuous functions on it. The double Banach dual $C(X)^{**}$ is a commutative von Neumann algebra and hence has ...
- 3,937
11
votes
2
answers
635
views
Quasinilpotent elements of group C-star algebras
If $G$ is a discrete torsion-free group, can its (reduced or full) group C-star algebra contain non-zero quasinilpotent elements? I've seen various examples in the group von Neumann algebra setting (...
- 25.8k
11
votes
2
answers
1k
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Group theory required for further study in von Neumann algebra
After over half a year's study on operator algebra (especially on von Neumann algebra) by doing exercises in Fundamentals of the theory of operator algebras 1, 2 --Kadison, I was told that the ...
- 1,528
11
votes
2
answers
537
views
Groups without property (T) but all finite quotients are expanders
What is an example of a group $G$ which
1- is finitely generated by $S$,
2- does not have property (T),
3- admits infinitely many finite quotients which do not factor through an homomorphism $G \...
- 4,422
11
votes
1
answer
2k
views
positive elements in tensor products
Let $A \otimes B$ be the algebraic tensor of two $C^{\ast}$ -algebras, and an element x in $A\otimes B$ is positive if $x=yy^{\ast}$. Then is it always possible to write x in the form $x=\sum a_i\...
- 411
11
votes
2
answers
490
views
Actions of locally compact groups on the hyperfinite $II_1$ factor
Let $R$ be the hyperfinite $II_1$ factor, and let $G$ be a locally compact group.
(1) Does there always exist a continuous, (faithful) outer action of $G$ on $R$?
(2) If so, how does one ...
- 43.2k
11
votes
2
answers
638
views
von Neumann algebras as C*-algebras with multiplicative conditional expectation $A^{**}\to A$
Let $A$ be a C*-algebra. We identify $A$ with its canonical image in the bidual $A^{**}$. Consider the following conditions:
(1) $A$ is a von Neumann algebra.
(2) There is a multiplicative ...
- 3,497
11
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Completely positive maps as "positive operators"
Let $A$ be a unital $C^{*}$-algebra and $\phi:A \rightarrow A$ be a completely positive map, i.e. $\phi^{(n)}:M_{n}(A) \rightarrow M_{n}(A)$ preserves positivity for any natural number $n$, where $\...
- 7,047
11
votes
1
answer
634
views
Embedding the group von Neumann algebra into an injective von Neumann algebra on the same Hilbert space
Let $\Gamma$ be a discrete group, $\newcommand{\VN}{\rm VN}$
and let $\VN(\Gamma)$ denote its von Neumann algebra, regarded as a subalgebra of ${\sf B}(\ell^2(\Gamma))$. It is well known that $\VN(\...
- 25.8k
11
votes
2
answers
1k
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Question about hereditary $C^*$-algebra
Can anyone give me a relatively simple proof or Some reference for the following fact.(I know that there is a proof of this theorem in Gerard J. Murphy'book: "$C^*$-Algebras and Operator Theory", but ...
- 147
11
votes
1
answer
512
views
Decomposability of positive maps
By results of Størmer and Woronowicz, every positive map $\Phi \colon \mathcal{M}_{d \times d} \rightarrow \mathcal{M}_{d' \times d'}$ for $dd' \leq 6$ can be decomposed as a convex combination
$$\...
- 435
11
votes
2
answers
2k
views
What's the matrix of logarithm of derivative operator ($\ln D$)? What is the role of this operator in various math fields?
Babusci and Dattoli, On the logarithm of the derivative operator, arXiv:1105.5978, gives some great results:
\begin{align*}
(\ln D) 1 & {}= -\ln x -\gamma \\
(\ln D) x^n & {}= x^n (\psi (n+1)-\...
- 10.1k
11
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Strong Atiyah conjecture
Who introduced the Strong Atiyah Conjecture?
Recall that the conjecture says the following. Let $G$ be a group, $A$ a $n\times n$-matrix over ${\mathbb Z}G$. We view $A$ as a bounded operator $l^2(...
user6976
11
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Schur's Lemma for Hilbert spaces
Let $H$ be a complex Hilbert space and let a group $G$ act on $H$ such that there are no invariant closed subspaces besides $H$ and $(0)$. Let $D$ be the ring of bounded operators which commute with ...
- 156k
11
votes
2
answers
576
views
Seeing topological (geom.) properties of the space via corresponding C^*-algebra
Compact Hausdorff spaces bijectively correspond to C^*-algebras with identity. One needs to consider the algebra of continuous functions C(X) to go in one direction and spectrum to go in the other. (...
- 24.8k