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Independence Phenomena in Operator Algebras

Project description

Applications of set theory to C-star algebras under study

C-star algebra is a self-adjoint subalgebra of B(H), the algebra of all linear bounded operators on a complex Hilbert space H. Given a separable space H, Calkin algebra C(H) is the quotient of B(H) by the ideal K(H) of compact operators and is considered the noncommutative analogue of Boolean algebra. Considering the strong connections between set theory and C-star algebra, the EU-funded IPOA project will conduct studies on three main themes: the complicated structure of Calkin algebra; Naimark's problem, which asks whether a C-star algebra with exactly one irreducible representation up to unitary equivalence is isomorphic to K(H); and the Stone–Weierstrass problem for noncommutative C-star algebras asking whether the classical Stone–Weierstrass theorem can be generalised to all C-star algebras.

Objective

This proposal develops in the framework of applications of set theory to C*-algebras and it is organized into three main themes: (1) the set-theoretic study of the Calkin algebra, (2) Naimark's problem, (3) the Stone-Weierstrass problem for noncommutative C*-algebras. The first part of the project consists of a systematic analysis of the class of the C*-algebras which embed into the Calkin algebra and of how set-theoretic principles influence such class. This study will be achieved by means of forcing techniques and through the adaptation of methods coming from the framework of boolean algebras. The main objectives are to reach a deeper understanding of the structure of the Calkin algebra, and to provide a benchmark for future applications of forcing methods in a more abstract C*-algebraic context. The second part of the proposal is in continuity with the line of research opened by Akemann and Weaver in the study of Naimark's problem, and it involves a series of applications of set-theoretic combinatorial statements in the construction of nonseparable C*-algebras with peculiar properties, specifically for what concerns their representation theory. With these investigations we aim to extend, by means of set theory, the current knowledge on the discrepancies between the nonseparable and the separable framework in operator algebras. The last part of the project regards the Stone-Weierstrass problem for noncommutative C*-algebras, an old open question which asks whether the classical Stone-Weierstrass theorem can be generalized to all C*-algebras. We plan to study this topic using set-theoretic methods, with the objective to find new consistency results, and extend to the nonseparable setting the known theorems holding for separable C*-algebras.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITE PARIS CITE
Net EU contribution
€ 184 707,84
Address
85 BD SAINT GERMAIN
75006 Paris
France
Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 184 707,84