Properly proximal von Neumann algebras (Q6183958)

A notion of `proper proximality' for finite von Neumann algebras is introduced, extending the property of proper proximality for groups introduced by \textit{R. Boutonnet} et al. [Ann. Sci. Éc. Norm. Supér. (4) 54, No. 2, 445--482 (2021; Zbl 07360850)] and studied. Examples beyond the case of von Neumann algebras of properly proximal groups are found, and the ideas are used to answer a question raised by Popa by showing that the group von Neumann algebra of a non-amenable inner amenable group cannot embed into a free group factor. The same notion is also extended to the setting of probability measure-preserving actions as an invariant of orbit equivalence. This is used to explore strong ergodicity from a novel point of view which among other things leads to a solution of an open problem raised by \textit{C. Anantharaman-Delaroche} [Pac. J. Math. 171, No. 2, 309--341 (1995; Zbl 0892.22004)] by proving the Haagerup and the compact approximation properties are equivalent for II$_1$ factors.