Modular pairs in the lattice of projections of a von Neumann algebra (Q1072579)

The author characterizes modular pairs of projections in the lattice of projections of a von Neumann algebra in terms of the norm and the lattice itself. The main theorem states that (e,f) is a modular pair if and only if there exists a finite projection \(e_ 1\) with \(e_ 1\leq e-e\wedge f\) and an orthogonal sequence of central projections \(\{c_ n\}\) with \(L.U.B.\{c_ n\}=1\), such that \(\| (e-e_ 1)(f-e\wedge f)c_ n\| <1\) for all n.