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5 votes
2 answers
545 views

range projection of an unbounded idempotent affiliated to a finite von Neumann algebra

To be slightly more precise: let $M\subset B(H)$ be a finite von Neumann algebra equipped with a faithful normal trace $\tau$, and let $L^0(M,\tau)$ be the completion of $M$ in the measure topology; ...
0 votes
2 answers
337 views

Is there a general notion of entropy for the states of a C*algebra?

I've seen some definition of the relative entropy between two states of a C*algebra. However this definitions work only for finite dimensional C*algebras and I don't know if there is a correspondent ...
5 votes
1 answer
604 views

Classification of representations of CCR algebras?

Hi, I'm wondering if there is a some classification of representations of CCR algebras (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CCR_algebra), where say the underlying vector space is a separable Hilbert space. ...
7 votes
2 answers
529 views

Telling group algebras apart

It's a big, famous, hard problem in operator algebras to determine if the von Neumann algebras $L(F_2)$ and $L(F_3)$ are isomorphic, or not. Here $F_n$ is the free group on n generators and $L(F_n)$ ...
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_{\...
18 votes
4 answers
2k views

Monoidal structures on von Neumann algebras

My question is based on the following vague belief, shared by many people: It should be possible to use von Neumann algebras in order to define the cohomology theory TMF (topological modular forms) in ...
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 $B \subset A$. ...
3 votes
0 answers
153 views

Isomorphism of categories of rigged modules via completely bounded isomorphism of operator algebras

This question is a background for my previous question. Suppose $A$ and $B$ are two algebras over $\mathbb{C}$ with the sequences of norms $\lbrace\|\cdot\|_{\Xi,n}\rbrace$ and on $M_n(\Xi)$, $\Xi\...
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 ...
1 vote
1 answer
518 views

Completely equivalent operator norms on $*$-Banach algebras.

Let $A$ be an algebra over $\mathbf{C}$ with an involution operator, and let $\|\cdot\|_1$ and $\|\cdot\|_2$ be two $equivalent$ operator norms, making $A$ into a $*$-Banach algebra (we denote them as ...
33 votes
0 answers
1k views

Subalgebras of von Neumann algebras

In the late 70s, Cuntz and Behncke had a paper H. Behncke and J. Cuntz, Local Completeness of Operator Algebras, Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society, Vol. 62, No. 1 (Jan., 1977), pp. 95-...
8 votes
1 answer
612 views

Is the set of exponentials open?

Let $A$ be a $C^*$-algebra or some norm-closed algebra of operators on a Hilbert space. In the old paper Hille, E. On Roots and Logarithms of Elements of a Complex Banach Algebra, Math. Annalen, ...
9 votes
1 answer
509 views

Maximal localizations of von Neumann algebras

Suppose M is a von Neumann algebra. Denote by L its maximal noncommutative localization, i.e., the Ore localization with respect to the set of all left and right regular elements, i.e., elements whose ...
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

Spectral decomposition for an arbitrary linear combination of position and momentum operators

Suppose we have the Hilbert space L2(Rn) and we have n operators Qi and n operators Pi defined in the usual way by: Qi ψ(q1,q2,...,qn) = qi ψ(q1,q2,...,qn) Pi ψ(q1,q2,...,qn) = -i $\frac{...
7 votes
1 answer
737 views

Question about projections on a Hilbert space

Sorry for the vague title, I can't think of a better one that isn't overly long. Suppose that $S$ is a commuting set of projection operators on a Hilbert space. I'll introduce the following notation: ...
10 votes
1 answer
786 views

Examples of groups without the n-positive approximation property

Let $G$ be a locally compact group and let $A(G)$ be the http://eom.springer.de/f/f120080.htm>Fourier algebra of $G$, which we view as the predual of the group von Neumann algebra $\mathcal M(G)$. ...
4 votes
0 answers
268 views

Can one pose a Toeplitz index problem associated to a discrete group?

Before posing my question, let me provide a little background since the Wikipedia page on this stuff is sorely lacking. Let's start with the classical case of the Toeplitz index problem on the circle....
7 votes
1 answer
577 views

Does a crossed product R⋊_α F_n of the hyperfinite factor of type II_1 and a free group have the QWEP?

Let $\mathcal{R}$ be the hyperfinite factor of type $\rm{II}_1$ and let $\mathbb{F}_n$ be a free group with $n$ generators. Let $\alpha$ be an action of $\mathbb{F}_n$ on $\mathcal{R}$. Does the von ...
4 votes
1 answer
228 views

When can closedness of the range of an operator be checked on a positive cone?

Let $T:X\to Y$ be an operator between Banach spaces $X$ and $Y$. Assume that $X$ has a positive cone $C\subset X$, which generates $X$: every element of $X$ can be written as a difference of elements ...
21 votes
1 answer
1k views

Banach spaces with few linear operators ?

Sometimes, dealing with the concrete and familiar Banach spaces of everyday life in maths, I happen nevertheless to ask myself about the generality of certain constructions. But, as I try to abstract ...
6 votes
2 answers
1k views

Are the banded versions of a positive definite matrix positive definite?

Consider $M$, a positive definite matrix. Let $M^{(1)}$ be the diagonal matrix which agrees with $M$ on the diagonal ($M_{ii}=M^{(1)}_{ii}$). We have that $M^{(1)}$ is positive definite because it is ...
1 vote
0 answers
308 views

Loynes spaces, also called pseudo-Hilbert spaces

Let me first define my object: First, a locally convex space $Z$ is called admissible in the sense of Loynes if $Z$ is complete There is a closed convex cone in $Z$, called $Z_+$, satisfying (for $x\...
4 votes
1 answer
311 views

Continuous functions on the states of a C*-algebra and its elements

Let $\mathcal A$ be a C*-algebra and $s(\mathcal A)$ the set of states on $\mathcal A$, with the weak* topology, as a subspace of the dual space. Suppose $f: s(\mathcal A) \to \mathbb C$ is a ...
7 votes
4 answers
1k views

Quantum channels as categories: question 1.

A quantum channel is a mapping between Hilbert spaces, $\Phi : L(\mathcal{H}_{A}) \to L(\mathcal{H}_{B})$, where $L(\mathcal{H}_{i})$ is the family of operators on $\mathcal{H}_{i}$. In general, we ...
5 votes
2 answers
920 views

Operator Valued Weights

One of the basic tools in subfactors is the conditional expectation. If $N\subset M$ is a $II_1$-subfactor (or an inclusion of finite factors), then there is a unique trace-preserving conditional ...
1 vote
1 answer
433 views

Intersection of ideals in C*-algebra or even rings in general

Dear all, here is a question that has been bothering me. It goes without saying that I would appreciate any help in answering it. Let {I_k} be a countable sequence of two sided closed ideals in a C*-...
7 votes
2 answers
2k views

Simple inequality in C*-algebras

Sorry the title is a bit vague. Let A be a C*-algebra, and let x and y be positive elements in A. Is it true that $$ \|x-y\|^2 \leq \|x^2-y^2\|? $$ Well, yes. But the proof I have is a bit of 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 ...
9 votes
5 answers
870 views

Abelianization of GL(H)

This is related to Theo's question about the abelianizations of finite dimensionsal Lie groups. I am interested in a specific (infinite-dimensional) case of the above question. Let H be an infinite-...
4 votes
2 answers
444 views

Lifting surjective von Neumann algebra homomorphisms

Is the following true? What's a nice proof? Let $M$ and $N$ be von Neumann algebras, and let $\phi:M\rightarrow N$ be a normal, surjective, *-homomorphism. Is there a normal *-homomorphism $\...
8 votes
3 answers
1k views

Gelfand duality in NCG

In non-commutative geometry, Gelfand duality is the construction of multiplicative linear functionals of a commutative C*-algebra, which can be viewed as the space of all its irreducible complex ...
13 votes
2 answers
723 views

Ideals in Factors

One can easily prove that factors have no nontrivial ultraweakly closed 2-sided ideals as these are equivalent to nontrivial central projections. One can also show type $I_n$, type $II_1$, and type $...
8 votes
1 answer
1k views

When does a conditional expectation preserve some trace?

In developing a theory of index for inclusions of finite von Neumann algebras, several authors ([Kosaki, 1986], [Fidaleo & Isola,1996], etc.) define the index of a conditional expectation of a von ...
8 votes
1 answer
966 views

Murray-von Neumann classification of local algebras in Haag-Kastler QFT

The Haag-Kastler approach to quantum field theory (QFT) is one of the oldest approaches to rigorously define what a QFT is, it deals with nets of operator algebras: You start with a spacetime and ...
4 votes
1 answer
1k views

When can a partial isometry $u$ in $\mathcal B(H \otimes K)$ be extended to a unitary in $1 \otimes \mathcal B(K)$?

Let $H$ and $K$ be Hilbert spaces, and let $u$ be a partial isometry in $\mathcal{B}(H \otimes K)$ between projections $p_0 = u^\ast u$ and $p_1 = u u^\ast$ such that $p_0, p_1 \leq 1 \otimes (1-q)$ ...
8 votes
1 answer
1k views

Why is it called *spectral* triple?

I know the definition a spectral triple and that it is some kind of non-commutative generalisation of (the ring of functions on) a compact spin manifold. But, why is it called spectral triple?
4 votes
1 answer
734 views

Approximate unit for the algebra C*(h) consisting of projectors

Let E be a Hilbert C*-module over some C*-algebra and let $h \in K(E)$. Due to B. Blackadar's, "K-Theory for Operator algebras" Thm. 17.11.4 for a separable C*-algebra $A$, represented by ...
4 votes
2 answers
498 views

The state space of the stabilization of a C*-algebra

Given a $C^*$-algebra $A$, I wonder up to what extent we can describe the state space of the stabilization $A\otimes K$ of $A$ in terms of the state space of $A$. Of course, the "tensor-product" ...
10 votes
3 answers
1k views

subgroup of SU(N) with maximal manifold dimension

Given the group SU(N) of NxN unitary matrices, does there exist a subgroup S with a manifold dimension larger than the SU(N-1) manifold dimension and smaller than the SU(N) one? S should not ...
1 vote
2 answers
2k views

Quantum channels, question 2: tensor products and composition of functions

Please be kind. I've been working on this for a long time and can't find an answer. Feel free to edit for clarity if you think the question can be better worded. Background It may help to see a ...
5 votes
3 answers
1k views

Functional calculus for direct integrals

Suppose I have a direct integral of Hilbert spaces $H = \int^\oplus H_x dx $, and suppose I have an operator $T: H \to H$ which is decomposable, and so it can be written as $T = \int^\oplus T_x$ for ...
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 ...
5 votes
2 answers
862 views

Hilbert $C^*$-modules and approximate units

Hi, Given a $\sigma$-unital $C^*$-algebra $A$ and a full Hilbert $A$-module $E$, is it possible to find an approximate unit $ \{\epsilon_i\}, i\in I$ in $A$ such that each $\epsilon_i$ is of the ...
1 vote
0 answers
742 views

Tensor products as isomorphic functors in category theory

An earlier question that I posed sought to define a category with a set of quantum channels as arrows and the C$^{*}$-algebra that these channels map from and to as the object. So, for example, my ...
2 votes
3 answers
1k views

Norm on quotient algebra of a tensor algebra

Suppose you have a finite dimensional real Hilbert space $V$ and you form the tensor algebra $$T(V) = \mathbb{R} \oplus V \oplus (V\otimes V) \oplus (V\otimes V \otimes V) \oplus \cdots$$ where the ...
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 ...
5 votes
0 answers
417 views

Direct integrals and fields of operators

Suppose we have a measure space $(X,\mu)$ and a measurable field of Hilbert spaces $H_x$ on it. We can form the direct integral ${\cal{H}} = \int H_x \ d \mu$, which is a Hilbert space. Suppose now ...
9 votes
0 answers
821 views

Pimsner-Popa Bases

Let $N\subset M$ be a finite index $II_1$-subfactor. Let $B=\{b_i\}$ be a finite orthonormal (Pimsner-Popa) basis for $M$ over $N$. Let $d=[M\colon N]^{1/2}$. It is well known that $B_1=\{d b_{i_1} ...
9 votes
4 answers
513 views

Does such a subgroup exist?

I am looking for a certain masa in a $II_1$ factor which is singular and has nontrivial Takesaki invariant. For this I am looking for an example of an inclusion of groups $H\subset G$ such that: $G$ ...
9 votes
2 answers
356 views

Is there a subfactor construction involving 2-groups?

I seem to recall that there is a straightforward subfactor construction that yields fusion categories given by G-graded vector spaces and representations of G, for finite groups G. Is there an ...