Free products of hyperfinite von Neumann algebras and free dimension (Q1210436)

Let \(n=2,3,\dots\) be given, and let \(F_ n\) be the corresponding free group on \(n\) generators. Based on the regular representation of \(F_ n\) on \(\ell^ 2(F_ n)\) we have from von Neumann a factor (von Neumann algebra) \(L(F_ n)\); and the big question (still open) is if the factors are isomorphic for distinct values of \(n\). The author and F. Raduslescu have invented interpolated free-group factors \(L(F_ r)\) defined for \(1< r\leq\infty\) such that the von Neumann factors drop out for integral values of \(r\), and they show that \(L(F_ r)* L(F_{r'})= L(F_{r+r'})\) holds where \(*\) denotes the free product of finite von Neumann algebras, due to Voiculescu. The present paper deals with decomposition theory for \(A *B\) as it is affected by given decompositions of the individual factors \(A\) and \(B\). In particular, they identify a \(L(F_ s)\) summand in \(A* B\) (under technical assumptions) even in cases where \(A\) and \(B\) are built out of finite matrix algebras (with appropriate multiplicities). This is Theorem 3.6 in the paper, and it is both very interesting and deep, but we do not have room here to state it, and the other results, in full detail.