Generalized \(B^*\)-algebras and applications (Q2122513)

From the cover: ``This book reviews the theory of `generalized \(B^\ast\)-algebras' (\(GB^\ast\)-algebras), a class of complete locally convex \(^\ast\)-algebras which includes all \(C^\ast\)-algebras and some of their extensions. A functional calculus and a spectral theory for \(GB^\ast\)-algebras are presented, together with results such as Ogasawara's commutativity condition, Gelfand-Naimark type theorems, a Vidav-Palmer type theorem, an unbounded representation theory, and miscellaneous applications.'' Now we pass to a short description of the contents of this book. The book is divided into eight chapters. The first one presents a genesis of generalized \(B^\ast\)-algebras, explains their connections to the theory of unbounded operators and to quantum theory, and gives a comprehensive description of the contents of the book. The second chapter is devoted to a discussion of spectral theory for locally convex algebras. In particular, the notion of a ``bounded element'' and spectrum of an element of a locally convex algebra (as defined by \textit{G. R. Allan} [Proc. Lond. Math. Soc. (3) 15, 399--421 (1965; Zbl 0138.38202)]) are introduced. Moreover, the carrier space of a commutative complete locally convex algebra is defined and a Gelfand-type theory is presented. In the third chapter, generalized \(B^\ast\)-algebras (in short, \(GB^\ast\)-algebras) are defined and basic properties of them are proved. Among other things, a commutative Gelfand-Naimark type theorem is proved. Moreover, it is shown that \(C^\ast\)-like locally convex \(^\ast\)-algebras, introduced by A\textit{A. Inoue} and \textit{K.-D. Kürsten} [Math. Nachr. 235, 51--58 (2002; Zbl 1026.46036)], are \(GB^\ast\)-algebras. The fourth chapter is a continuation of a study of commutative \(GB^\ast\)-algebras. Namely, a functional calculus, a counterpart to that of \(C^\ast\)-algebras, is discussed. Furthermore, it is proved that on a commutative locally convex \(^\ast\)-algebra any two topologies making it a \(GB^\ast\)-algebra are (in a certain natural sense) equivalent. The fifth chapter is devoted to the investigation of \(GB^\ast\)-algebras of closable operators on a Hilbert space. The basics of unbounded \(^\ast\)-representations are introduced and \(EC^\ast\)-algebras and \(EW^\ast\)-algebras are studied. These algebras correspond to unbounded generalizations of \(C^\ast\)-algebras and, respectively, \(W^\ast\)-algebras. The exploration of noncomutative \(GB^\ast\)-algebras is continued in the next, sixth chapter. Among other things, a theorem of P. G. Dixon which says that any \(GB^\ast\)-algebra has a faithful representation as an \(EC^\ast\)-algebra is presented. This can be seen as a noncommutative algebraic Gelfand-Naimark type theorem. A topological analogue of this theorem for \(GB^\ast\)-algebras is likewise proved. Chapter six also contains the result of \textit{M. Oudadess} [``Ogasawara's commutativity condition in \(GB^\ast\)-algebras''. Preprint] which says that every \(GB^\ast\)-algebra that satisfies Ogasawara's commutativity condition is commutative. The final two chapters are concerned with various kinds of applications. The seventh chapter contains, among other things, several results of \textit{A. W. Wood} [Proc. Lond. Math. Soc. (3) 34, 245--268 (1977; Zbl 0342.46037)] on a Vidav-Palmer type theorem for locally convex \(^\ast\)-algebras. The last chapter is devoted to tensor products of \(GB^\ast\)-algebras, a notion which is significant for quantum theory. This book has been written by specialists that are actively working in the field. The choice of the presented material has been done with great care. The bibliography contains all classical monographs, all important papers, and most recent ones. The book leads the reader ``smoothly'' from the well-known classical theory of locally convex \(^\ast\)-algebras to recent results in unbounded operator algebras. It will therefore serve as an excellent introduction to this theory for graduate students. It should also provide a valuable reference source for researchers in the field.