C\(^*\)-tensor categories and free product bimodules (Q1869053)

Based on the \textit{S. Popa}'s results on subfactors, the authors gives here an abstract characterization of \(C^*\)-tensor categories which can be realized by bimodules of finite Jones index, under the assumption of countability of generators. To do this, some structure of rigidity in \(C^*\)-tensor categories is imposed: namely, the Frobenius duality in the author's sense [see Int. J. Math. 4, 859-871 (1993; Zbl 0793.46040)] together with a systematic choice of dual objects in \(C^*\)-tensor categories is assumed. The main result is that the random walk construction is combined with Popa's method to produce bimodules over amalgamated free product factors so that it gives a fully faithful realization of a \(C^*\)-tensor category with Frobenius duality as bimodules of finite Jones index. This result gives the following characterization: A \(C^*\)-tensor category with simple unit object and countably many generators is realized as that of bimodules of finite Jones index over a factor if and only if it is rigid.