A survey on the classification problem of factors of von Neumann algebras (Q2744597)

Motivated by problems in infinite dimensional representations of groups and the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics, Murray and von Neumann initiated the study of algebras of operators in [\textit{F.J. Murray} and \textit{J. von Neumann}, Ann. Math., II. Ser. 37, 116-229 (1936; JFM 62.0449.03)]. They introduced the concept of a factor and gave the classification theory of factors, i.e., they classified the factors as type \(I\) (type \(I_n\), \(n\in{\mathbb N}\) or type \(I_\infty\)), type \(II\) (type \(II_1\) or type \(II_\infty\)) and type \(III\). NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEStarting with the work of Murray and von Neumann and ending with the famous results of Connes which won him the Fields medal, the paper under review explains and discusses the main ideas of the important discoveries in the classification of von Neumann algebras, and it gives a comprehensive survey on that subject. It also contains a lot of historical remarks and ideas that have influenced and triggered further investigations in this field. So the present paper is nice to read and less intimidating than most textbooks and monographs for readers who wish to get a first and quick overview on the classification problem of factors of von Neumann algebras. NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINESome of the points discussed in the paper are: definition of factors, matrix representation of an operator, factors of type \(I_n\), \(n\in{\mathbb N}\) and type \(I_\infty\), measure theoretic construction of type \(I\)- and type \(II\)-factors, construction of type \(III\)-factors, hyperfinite type \(II_1\)-factors, Pukansky's examples of two non-isomorphic type \(III\)-factors, a continuum of non-isomorphic type \(II_1\)-factors, Sakai's construction of uncountable many non-hyperfinite type \(III\) and type \(II_\infty\)-factors, Results of Connes and Takesaki.