The \(C^*\)-envelope of the tensor algebra of a directed graph (Q860217)

The fundamental non-selfadjoint operator algebra associated with a countable directed graph \(G\) is its tensor algebra \({\mathcal T}_+(G)\); cf.\ \textit{N.\,J.\,Fowler} and \textit{I.\,Raeburn} [Indiana Univ.\ Math.\ J.\ 48, No.\,1, 155--181 (1999; Zbl 0938.47052)] and \textit{P.\,S.\,Muhly} and \textit{B.\,Solel} [Math.\ Ann.\ 330, No.\,2, 353--415 (2004; Zbl 1066.46049)]. The authors of the paper under review prove that the \(C^*\)-envelope of \({\mathcal T}_+(G)\) coincides with the universal Cuntz--Krieger algebra associated with \(G\). Their approach does not require any familiarity with the machinery of Hilbert modules [see \textit{N.\,Fowler, P.\,Muhly} and \textit{I.\,Raeburn}, Indiana Univ.\ Math.\ J.\ 52, No.\,3, 569--605 (2003; Zbl 1034.46054)]. They also define a natural generalization of the tensor algebra for a higher rank graph and prove that its \(C^*\)-envelope is the corresponding universal Cuntz--Krieger algebra when the graph is row-finite with no sources.