On geometric structure of generalized projections in \(C^*\)-algebras (Q1656889)

An element $p$ of a \(C^*\)-algebra $\mathcal{A}$ is called a generalized projection if it satisfies that $p^2=p^*$. The authors study the set $\mathcal{G}\mathcal{P}$ of generalized projections from a differential geometric point of view. $\mathcal{G}\mathcal{P}$ carries the action of the unitary group $\mathcal{U}_\mathcal{A}$ of the algebra: $u\cdot p=upu^*$. It is proved ({Theorem 2.1}) that, as with usual projections, if $p,q\in\mathcal{G}\mathcal{P}$ satisfy $\|p-q\|<1$, then they are conjugate by this action. This result is a key fact in proving that $\mathcal{G}\mathcal{P}$ is a Banach submanifold of $\mathcal{A}$ ({Corollary 2.8}). \par A linear connection is introduced in this space, by means of a transport equation. The geodesics with given initial data are computed ({Theorem 3.5}). The problem of existence of geodesics joining two given endpoints is considered. Points $p,q$ with $\|p-q\|<1$ are joined by a geodesic of minimal length ({Theorem 4.5}). The Finsler metric considered is the usual norm of $\mathcal{A}$ at every tangent space. Also, the problem of uniqueness of geodesics is treated: an injectivity radius for the expoential map is estimated ({Theorem 4.7}). These results rely on known facts about the differential geometry of the space of projections in $\mathcal{A}$.