Why the circle is connected: An introduction to quantized topology (Q1120800)

The theory of operator algebras, which was introduced by J. von Neumann, now plays an important role in such fields as geometry, algebra, mathematical physics. The author illustrates an application of this theory in ``quantum geometry'' by considering a key example, namely ``the quantized torus'' associated with the regular representation of the free group of two generators. In the late sixties R. V. Kadison conjectured that this algebra is ``connected'' in the sense that it has no non trivial projections. This was finally proved fourteen years later by M. Pimsner and D. Voiculescu, who used a geometrical approach. A. Connes then showed how the proof fits nicely into the theory of ``non- commutative differential topology''. The purpose of the present paper is to outline his approach.