Socle theory for Leavitt path algebras of arbitrary graphs. (Q986620)

Leavitt path algebras of row-finite graphs have recently been introduced by \textit{G. Abrams} and \textit{G. Aranda Pino} [J. Algebra 293, No. 2, 319-334 (2005; Zbl 1119.16011)] and \textit{P. Ara, M. A. Moreno} and \textit{E. Pardo} [Algebr. Represent. Theory 10, No. 2, 157-178 (2007; Zbl 1123.16006)]. They have become a hot topic of significant interest, both for algebraists and analysts working in \(C^*\)-algebras. The main purpose of this article is to extend the theory of the socle of a Leavitt path algebra (considered by \textit{G. Aranda Pino, D. Martín Barquero, C. Martín González} and \textit{M. Siles Molina} [J. Pure Appl. Algebra 212, No. 3, 500-509 (2008; Zbl 1134.16005)]) to countable not necessarily row-finite graphs. The authors determine the structure of minimal left ideals of Leavitt path algebras of arbitrary graphs and scrutinize the nature of the socle of a Leavitt path algebra of an arbitrary graph in two different ways: singling out the set of vertices that generate the socle as a two-sided ideal (graph description) and unveiling the internal algebraic structure of the algebraic description. The authors employ both the desingularization process and combinatorial approach to study Morita invariant properties concerning the socle and to describe it. Leavitt path algebras with nonzero socle are described as those which have line points, and it is shown that the line points generate the socle of a Leavitt path algebra. A concrete description of the socle of a Leavitt path algebra is obtained: it is a direct sum of matrix rings over the base field. In addition, new proofs of the graded uniqueness and of the Cuntz-Krieger uniqueness theorems are given, by using very different means. The paper is very readable and is in general well written. All researchers who are working in these related topics will be interested in this nice paper.