\(L^p\)-operator algebras with approximate identities. I (Q2305455)

The authors initiate a systematic study of \(L^p\)-operator algebras for \(p \neq 2\), that is, Banach algebras \(A\) which are isometrically isomorphic to a norm closed subalgebra of the bounded operators on an \(L^p(\mu)\)-space for some measure space \((X,\mu)\). The general aim is to investigate how much of the existing theory of (non-selfadjoint) operator algebras on Hilbert spaces extends to this setting. Moreover, the applicability of the recent theory of real positivity, developed by Blecher, Read, Neal, Ozawa and others for general Banach algebras, is studied for \(L^p\)-operator algebras having a contractive approximate identity (called approximately unital). Let \(A\) be a unital Banach algebra. Recall from [\textit{D. P. Blecher} and \textit{N. Ozawa}, Pac. J. Math. 277, No. 1, 1--59 (2015; Zbl 1368.46038)] that the element \(a \in A\) is real positive (or accretive) if \(\Re(\phi(a)) \ge 0\) for all states \(\phi\) on \(A\). If \(A\) is only approximately unital, then \(a \in A\) is real positive if \(a\) is real positive in the multiplier unitization \(A^1\) of \(A\). Moreover, the functional \(\phi \in A^*\) is real positive if \(\Re(\phi(a)) \ge 0\) for all real positive elements \(a \in A\). In view of the length and wide scope of the results of this paper, it is only possible to indicate its contents, which is suggested by the following list of (sub)chapters: Miscellaneous results on \(L^p\)-operator algebras (quotients and bi-approximately unital algebras -- unitization of nonunital \(L^p\)-operator algebras -- the Cayley and \(\mathcal F\) transforms -- support idempotents -- some consequences of strict convexity of \(L^p\)-spaces -- Hahn-Banach smoothness of \(L^p\)-operator algebras). \(M\)-ideals. Scaled \(L^p\)-operator algebras. Kaplansky density. There is a list of \(L^p\)-operator algebras which is used as basic examples or counterexamples. For instance, it follows from the results that the Calkin algebra \(\mathcal B(\ell^p)/\mathcal K(\ell^p)\) is an \(L^p\)-operator algebra for \(1 < p < \infty\). This can also be seen from earlier results of \textit{M. T. Boedihardjo} and \textit{W. B. Johnson} [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 143, No. 6, 2451--2457 (2015; Zbl 1339.47014)].