Extensions of positive definite functions on free groups (Q883507)

The authors consider positive definite functions on a free group with an arbitrary number of generators and obtain an analogue of Krein's theorem: {A positive definite function defined on the set of words of length bounded by a fixed constant can be extended to the whole group}. They discuss the existence of a distinguished extension called the central one. This extension plays a role similar to that of central lifting in the theory of intertwining lifting. It is shown that quasi-multiplicative definite positive functions may be obtained as central extensions and the authors deduce a factorization theorem for certain polynomials in noncommutative variables.