C*-algebras associated with integral domains and crossed products by actions on adele spaces (Q622329)

Let \(\{\xi_m\}\) be a standard orthonormal basis of the Hilbert space \({\mathcal H}=\ell^2({\mathbb N})\); consider the isometries \(s_n\) and \(v^k\) of \({\mathcal H}\) defined by the formulas \(v^k(\xi_m)=\xi_{m+k}\) and \(s_n(\xi_m)=\xi_{mn}\). In [``\(C^*\)-algebras associated with the \(ax+b\)-semigroup over \({\mathbb N}\)'', \(K\)-theory and noncommutative geometry. Proceedings of the ICM 2006 satellite conference, Valladolid, Spain, August 31--September 6, 2006. Zürich: European Mathematical Society (EMS). EMS Series of Congress Reports, 201--215 (2008; Zbl 1162.46036)], \textit{J.~Cuntz} introduced a \(C^*\)-algebra generated by \(s_n\) and \(v^k\) satisfying the compatibility relation \(s_nv^k=v^{nk}s_n\); this \(C^*\)-algebra was denoted by \({\mathcal Q}_N\) and its subsequent generalizations to the arbitrary integral domains \(R\) by \({\mathfrak A}[R]\). The algebra \({\mathcal Q}_N\) extends the Bost-Connes algebra \(\bar {\mathcal H}(\Gamma,\Gamma_0)\) on the one hand [see \textit{J.-B.~Bost} and \textit{A.~Connes}, ``Hecke algebras, type III factors and phase transitions with spontaneous symmetry breaking in number theory'', Sel. Math., New Ser. 1, No.~3, 411--457 (1995; Zbl 0842.46040)] and the Cuntz algebra \({\mathcal O}_n\) on the other [see \textit{J.~Cuntz}, ``Simple \(C^*\)-algebras generated by isometries'', Commun. Math. Phys. 57, 173--185 (1977; Zbl 0399.46045)]. An important feature of \({\mathcal Q}_N\) is that it is isomorphic to a crossed product of the Bunce-Deddens algebra [see \textit{J.~W.~Bunce} and \textit{J.~A.~Deddens}, ``A family of simple \(C^*\)-algebras related to weighted shift operators'', J. Funct. Anal. 19, 13--24 (1975; Zbl 0313.46047)] by the action of the \(ax+b\)-group and, therefore, its \(K\)-theory can be handled using the Pimsner-Voiculescu exact sequence. Namely, it has been proved that \(K_0(B_n)\cong K_1(B_n)\cong {\mathbb Z}^{2^{n-1}}\), where \({\mathcal Q}_N=\lim B_n\). The algebra \({\mathcal Q}_N\) is simple and purely infinite. The paper under review represents a kind of survey of what is known about \({\mathcal Q}_N\) and its siblings; the proofs of all statements are given and connections to the other algebras are indicated. Along with the recent monograph of \textit{A.~Connes} and \textit{M.~Marcolli} [Noncommutative geometry, quantum fields and motives. Providence, RI: American Mathematical Society (AMS)/Hindustan Book Agency (2008; Zbl 1209.58007)], the paper is a must for the faculty and graduate students in the area of ``noncommutative arithmetic geometry''.