Weak Hopf algebras. I: Integral theory and \(C^*\)-structure (Q1965250)

A weak bialgebra over a field is a finite dimensional space \(A\) endowed with an algebra structure and a coalgebra structure such that the comultiplication is multiplicative, the unit is weak comultiplicative, and the counit is weak multiplicative. The last condition is a weak version of similar conditions for a bialgebra. A weak Hopf algebra is a weak bialgebra \(A\) for which there exists a map \(S\colon A\to A\), called the antipode, satisfying certain conditions different from the ones in a usual Hopf algebra. The main motivation for studying weak Hopf algebras comes from quantum field theory and operator algebras. Particular attention is given to the canonical subalgebras \(A^L\) and \(A^R\), which in the Hopf algebra case are trivial. A theory of integrals is developed for weak Hopf algebras. Properties of weak \(C^*\)-Hopf algebras are presented.