Local multipliers of \(C^*\)-algebras (Q4780925)

This book gives a self-contained and thorough account of the theory of local multiplier algebras of \(C^*\)-algebras. Local multipliers first appeared (under a different name) in the 1970's in two papers by Elliot and Pedersen. The systematic theory has been developed mainly by the authors in the 1990's. The major part of the book treats linear operators on \(C^*\)-algebras; in this context local multipliers appear as a very useful tool for solving different problems. Throughout the book, analytic techniques are combined with algebraic ones. Though most of the topics belong to functional analysis, very often the approaches that are used have a purely algebraic background. It is somehow typical of the book that the first chapter ``1. Prerequisites'' is divided into two sections: ``1.1 Algebraic Tools'' and ``1.2 Analytic Tools''. The construction of the field of fractions of a commutative domain can be extended to the noncommutative context in many different ways. One of them is the construction of the symmetric (Martindale) ring of quotients of a semiprime ring \(A\), which is based on the so-called essentially defined double centralizers. If \(A\) is a \(C^*\)-algebra then the elements in the symmetric algebra of quotients, which can be represented by bounded essentially defined double centralizers, form a pre-\(C^*\)-algebra. The local multiplier algebra is defined as its completion. The aim of Chapter 2 is to introduce all these concepts and to study their basic properties. Chapter 3 is devoted to the study of the center of the local multiplier algebra which is particularly important for applications. Among the topics considered, we mention the local Dauns-Hofmann theorem, boundedly centrally closed \(C^*\)-algebras, the bounded part of the central closure, and Glimm ideals in the local multiplier algebra. Derivations and automorphisms of \(C^*\)-algebras are the theme of Chapter 4. The question of their innerness in the local multiplier algebra is discussed. The norms of inner derivations and actions of finite (abelian) groups on \(C^*\)-algebras are studied. Chapter 5 treats elementary operators and completely bounded mappings. Completely positive elementary operators, central bimodule homomorphisms, and the question of the norm of an elementary operator are the main topics. More than four decades ago, Herstein proposed the investigation of Lie isomorphisms and Lie derivations in associative rings. Rather recently, Herstein's programme has been completed by making use of the theory of commuting maps and more general functional identities. Chapter 6 presents the \(C^*\)-algebra versions of these ring-theoretic results. Besides Lie isomorphisms, Lie derivations and commuting (linear and quadratic) maps, commutativity preserving and Jordan mappings on \(C^*\)-algebras are also studied. The book is a model of clear exposition. Each chapter begins with a detailed explanation concerning its main goals, and ends with notes on the history of the problems just discussed. Throughout the text there are numerous colorful comments which make the reading delightful. Many of the results in the book have not been published elsewhere. The book can be recommended to anyone interested in operators on \(C^*\)-algebras and algebras (rings) of quotients. It can also serve as an excellent illustration of the applicability of algebraic methods in an analytic setting.