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von Neumann Algebras of Observables and Superselection Rules

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Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to examine the observables of a quantum system, described on the Hilbert space H, by means of elementary results from the theory of von Neumann algebras. von Neumann algebras will be used as a tool to formalize superselection rules.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    According to (3)(d) Exercise 6.13, this is equivalent to requiring \({\mathfrak R} \vee {\mathfrak R}' = {\mathfrak B}({\mathsf H})\).

  2. 2.

    Considering algebraic states instead of normal states defines C -independence, a notion eligible for generic C -algebras as well.

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Moretti, V. (2019). von Neumann Algebras of Observables and Superselection Rules. In: Fundamental Mathematical Structures of Quantum Theory. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-18346-2_6

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