Transitivity of inner automorphisms in infinite dimensional Cartan factors (Q1014230)

The set \(\mathcal{U}_r(\mathcal{B}(H,K))\) of partial isometries of a fixed finite rank \(r\) in the Banach space \(\mathcal{B}(H,K)\) of bounded linear operators between two complex Hilbert spaces \(H\) and \(K\) is a classical example of a Riemann symmetric space. \textit{P.\,R.\thinspace Halmos} and \textit{J.\,E.\thinspace McLaughlin} proved in [Pac.\ J.\ Math.\ 13, 585--596 (1963; Zbl 0189.13402)] that \(\mathcal{U}_r(\mathcal{B}(H,K))\) is connected. When the space \(\mathcal{B}(H,K)\) is considered as an example of a JBW\(^*\)-triple (i.e., a JB\(^*\)-triple which is also a dual Banach space), then partial isometries in \(\mathcal{B}(H,K)\) are precisely the tripotent elements. Actually, the space \(\mathcal{B}(H,K)\) is one of the six fundamental types of atomic JBW\(^*\)-triple factors known under the name of Cartan factors. Techniques developed in the setting of JB\(^*\)-triples proved to be a useful tool to study the action of the group Inn\((C)\) of all inner automorphism on a Cartan factor \(C\) on the set \(\mathcal{U}_r(C)\) of partial isometries of a fixed finite rank \(r\) in \(C\). In [``Bounded Symmetric Domains and Jordan Pairs'' (Mathematical Lectures, University of California, Irvine) (1977)], \textit{O.\,Loos} proved that for every finite-dimensional Cartan factor \(C\), Inn\((C)\) acts transitively on \(\mathcal{U}_r(C)\). Some related questions to this problem were discussed by \textit{C.-H.\thinspace Chu} and \textit{J.\,M.\thinspace Isidro} [Math.\ Z.\ 233, No.\,4, 741--754 (2000; Zbl 0959.46048], \textit{J.\,M.\thinspace Isidro} [Acta Sci.\ Math.\ 66, No.\,3--4, 793--808 (2000; Zbl 0973.17040)], \textit{J.\,M.\thinspace Isidro} and \textit{M.\,Mackey} [Expo.\ Math.\ 20, No.\,2, 97--116 (2002; Zbl 1009.46036)] and \textit{J.\,M.\thinspace Isidro} and \textit{L.\,L.\thinspace Stacho} [Q.\ J.\ Math.\ 57, No.\,4, 505--525 (2006; Zbl 1155.46041)]. The question whether, for an arbitrary Cartan factor \(C\), Inn\((C)\) acts transitively on \(\mathcal{U}_r(C)\) has remained open. The paper under review provides a positive answer to this question. The proof of the main result is derived from the crucial Theorem 4.1 which shows that two minimal tripotents in a Cartan factor \(C\) are connected by an element in Inn\((C)\). Among the consequences, the authors study when two \(\sigma\)-finite tripotents in a Cartan factor are connected by a weak\(^*\) limit of inner automorphisms.