The Balian-Low theorem and noncommutative tori (Q1639663)

The noncommutative torus \(\mathcal{A}_{\theta}\) is a \(C^*\)-algebra on the generators \(u\) and \(v\) satisfying the relation \(vu=e^{2\pi i\theta}\) for a real constant \(\theta\). The algebra \(\mathcal{A}_{\theta}\) is one of the main objects of study in non-commutative geometry, having deep links to algebraic geometry, number theory and physics. In the series of papers [\textit{F. Luef}, J. Funct. Anal. 257, No. 6, 1921--1946 (2009; Zbl 1335.46064)] and [\textit{F. Luef}, Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 139, No. 2, 571--582 (2011; Zbl 1213.42121)], the author elaborated a new approach to the algebra \(\mathcal{A}_{\theta}\) based on Gabor frames. Roughly speaking, a Gabor frame is a collection of square integrable functions on the real line and a lattice in the plane defining a time-frequency shift of functions. Such frames were introduced in physics by the Nobel laureate \textit{D. Gabor} [``Theory of communication'', Parts 1--3. J. Inst. Electr. Eng. III: Radio Commun. Eng. 93, No. 26, 429--457 (1946; \url{doi:10.1049/ji-3-2.1946.0074}; \url{doi:10.1049/ji-3-2.1946.0075}; \url{doi:10.1049/ji-3-2.1946.0076}). It was proved by \textit{F. Luef} [J. Funct. Anal. 257, No.~6, 1921--1946 (2009; Zbl 1335.46064)] that the Gabor frames are critical in the \(K\)-theory of noncommutative tori: they define the structure of projections in the algebra \(\mathcal{A}_{\theta}\). It is a striking result in itself, because it shows how non-commutative objects appear naturally in the practical problems arising in physics and electrical engineering. The paper under review is another contribution to this interesting area. It is proved that a constant curvature connection on projective modules over the algebra \(\mathcal{A}_{\theta}\) depends on the theorem of Balian and Low on the non-existence of well-localized Gabor-Riesz bases.