Characterization of \(C^*\)-algebras with continuous trace by properties of their pure states (Q1095352)

We characterize \(C^ *\)-algebras with continuous trace among all \(C^ *\)-algebras by a condition on the set P(A) of pure states. The condition is that (1) the graph R(A) of the unitary equivalence relation on P(A) is closed in P(A)\(\times P(A)\), and (2) transition probabilities are continuous for the product topology on R(A) (i.e. that inherited from P(A)\(\times P(A))\). If R(A) is given the quotient topology, these conditions are equivalent to properness of the inclusion map from R(A) into P(A)\(\times P(A)\). We show the product and quotient topologies on R(A) coincide iff transition probabilities are continuous for the product topology, and this in turn is equivalent to Fell's condition. Transition probabilities are always continuous for the quotient topology on R(A).