Quotient-bounded elements in locally convex algebras. II (Q1086462)

Consideration of quotient-bounded elements in a locally convex \(GB^*\)- algebra leads to the study of proper \(GB^*\)-algebras viz those that admit nontrivial quotient-bounded elements. The construction and structure of such algebras are discussed. A representation theorem for a proper \(GB^*\)-algebra representing it as an algebra of unbounded Hilbert space operators is obtained in a form that unifies the well-known Gelfand-Naimark representation theorem for \(C^*\)-algebras and two other representation theorems for \(b^*\)-algebras (also called LMC\({}^*\)- algebras), one representing a \(b^*\)-algebra as an algebra of quotient bounded operators and the other as a weakly unbounded operator algebra. A number of examples are discussed to illustrate quotient-bounded operators. An algebra of unbounded operators constructed out of noncommutative \(L^ p\)-spaces on a regular probability gauge space and the convolution algebra of periodic distributions are analyzed in detail; whereas unbounded Hilbert algebras and \(L^ w\)-integrals of a measurable field of \(C^*\)-algebras are discussed briefly. [For part I see J. Aust. Math. Soc., Ser. A 33, 102-113 (1982; Zbl 0496.46028).]