Dilations, completely positive maps and geometry (Q6039310)

The general theory of linear operators, also referred to as operator theory, is vast and integrates many disciplines. It focuses on virtually all areas of analysis, such as PDE, harmonic analysis, complex analysis, and complex geometry, as well as other fields such as topology, commutative algebra, homology theory, \(K\)-theory, etc. One influential area within the extensive field of operator theory is dilation theory, which aims at representing bounded linear operators as compressions of well-behaved operators. Typically, well-behaved operators are unitary operators, isometric operators, or even normal operators with certain spectral behaviors. \textit{P. R. Halmos} pioneered the theory of dilations [Summa Brasil. Math. 2, 125--134 (1950; Zbl 0041.23201)], as he did in many other areas of operator theory. Sz.-Nagy refined this with his theory of unitary dilations for contraction operators, and D. Sarason advanced it to a higher level with his commutant lifting theorem. Sz.-Nagy and Foias' series of publications on dilation theory and its applications, followed by their well-known monograph [\textit{B. Sz. -Nagy} and \textit{C. Foiaş}, Harmonic analysis of operators on Hilbert space. Amsterdam-London: North-Holland Publishing Company (1970; Zbl 0201.45003)], became the subject's primary focus. This collective event attracted a significant multitude of mathematicians who sought to investigate the complexities inherent in operator theory and function theory. Along the way, interesting things kept happening, such as Ando's discovery that there are unitary dilations for pairs of commuting contractions and then the fact that isometric dilation fails to work in general for \(n\)-tuples, \(n>2\), of commuting contractions. It also became more transparent that Sarason's commutant lifting theorem is more useful in solving problems in operator theory and function theory. During this eventful period, Arveson developed his operator algebraic perspective on operator theory. Stinespring's pioneering work on dilations of completely positive maps is also noteworthy. See [\textit{W. Arveson}, Oper. Theory: Adv. Appl. 207, 99--123 (2010; Zbl 1217.47016)] for a quick introduction to the above developments. The book under review is focused on dilation theory and its challenges and applications. The book commences by delving into the aforementioned historical contexts and gradually concludes by utilizing a contemporary viewpoint. Therefore, a part of the book is classical and considers material widely available in both standard and classical books. Another part of the book delves into advanced concepts, which can be found in a handful of research monographs. The remaining portion of this book is also advanced, not so readily available in other books, and sometimes consists of original contributions by the authors in various research articles in recent times. The book consists of a total of seven chapters. The first chapter presents the theory of reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces, the dilation theory of single contractions, the notion of characteristic functions, and the Berger-Coburn-Lebow theorem. The second chapter deals with the basics of \(C^*\)-algebras and the notion of completely positive maps on \(C^*\)-algebras. Chapters 3 and 4 talk about dilation theory on the bidisc and the unit ball, respectively. Chapter 5 is about characteristic functions and functional models in the setting of the unit ball. Chapter 6 concerns dilations in the context of the symmetrized bidisc, and the final chapter talks about abstract dilation theory. This mixture of classical, advanced, and more recently found advanced results makes the book a diversified one. I believe this book will easily find a place in the library of working researchers in the area of operator theory, as well as serve as a textbook for advanced masters students tending to work in the area of operator theory.