On positive commutators (Q707867)

Let \(A\) and \(B\) be positive operators on a Banach lattice \(E\) such that \(C = AB - BA\) is also positive. Generalizing a finite-dimensional result that they prove first, the authors prove that, if \(A\) and \(B\) are positive compact operators on \(E\), then \(C\) is a quasi-nilpotent operator having a triangularizing chain of closed order ideals of \(E\). \(C\) belongs to the radical of the Banach algebra generated by \(A\) and \(B\). If one of the operators \(A\) and \(B\) is irreducible, then \(C = 0\). The authors also discuss the case when \(C\) is a quasi-nilpotent trace-class operator. The paper ends with examples and open questions.