On factor states (Q790389)

The important role of the set of factor states of \(C^*\)-algebras is shown, traditionally, in the (des)integration theory of representations [see \textit{J. Dixmier}'s book \(''C^*\)-algebras'' (1977; Zbl 0372.46058)] and, recently, in the \textit{M.-D. Choi, E. G. Effros} and \textit{A. Connes}'s characterization of separable nuclear \(C^*\)-algebras [Duke Math. J. 43, 309-322 (1976; Zbl 0382.46026); Indiana Univ. Math. J. 26, 443-446 (1977; Zbl 0378.46052); Ann. Math., II. Ser. 104, 73-115 (1976; Zbl 0343.46042)], in the \textit{Anderson-Bunce}'s study of the Stone- Weierstrass problem [Preprint], and in the \textit{N. H. Anh} and \textit{V. M.Son}'s type I condition for SI mod Z factor representations [Acta Math. Vietnam. 4, No.1, 63-70 (1979; Zbl 0466.22007)]. The work under review continues the detailed study of factor states started by \textit{R. V. Kadison} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 103, 304-319 (1962; Zbl 0113.097)]. ''In {\S} 2 of the present paper, writes the author in the introduction, we give a characterization of factor states analogous to the Segal characterization of pure states, and use this to obtain an extension theorem for factor states. In {\S} 3 we characterize commutative and elementary \(C^*\)-algebras by a condition on their set of factor states, in a way which exhibits these two classes of \(C^*\)- algebras as opposite extremes of a common phenomenon'': A \(C^*\)-algebra is commutative iff every of its factor states is pure, and is elementary iff every of its state is factorial. ''In section 4, continues the author, we present a vector state characterization of irreducibility of \(C^*\)- algebras which grew out of the investigation of the two preceding sections''.