Type-decomposition of a synaptic algebra (Q368077)

The authors aim to obtain a type-decomposition of synaptic algebras extending the type I/II/III decomposition of von Neumann algebras, \(AW^*\)-algebras, and \(JW\)-algebras. Synaptic algebras [\textit{D. Foulis}, Math. Slovaca 60, No. 5, 631--654 (2010; Zbl 1247.47081)] generalise the self-adjoint part of von Neumann algebras and include \(JW\)-algebras as special cases. Unlike the orthomodular lattice of projections in a \(JW\)-algebra, the orthomodular lattice of projections in a synaptic algebra need not be complete. It might nevertheless possess enough properties to enable type-decomposition, as is shown in the paper. The notion of type-determining subset of the lattice of projections defined in the paper is crucial to obtain the results.