Girish Mahajan (Editor)

Koecher–Vinberg theorem

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit

In operator algebra, the Koecher–Vinberg theorem is a reconstruction theorem for real Jordan algebras. It was proved independently by Max Koecher in 1957 and Ernest Vinberg in 1961. It provides a one-to-one correspondence between formally real Jordan algebras and so-called domains of positivity. Thus it links operator algebraic and convex order theoretic views on state spaces of physical systems.

Contents

Statement

A convex cone C is called regular if a = 0 whenever both a and a are in the closure C ¯ .

A convex cone C in a vector space A with an inner product has a dual cone C = { a A : b C a , b > 0 } . The cone is called self-dual when C = C . It is called homogeneous when to any two points a , b C there is a real linear transformation T : A A that restricts to a bijection C C and satisfies T ( a ) = b .

The Koecher–Vinberg theorem now states that these properties precisely characterize the positive cones of Jordan algebras.

Theorem: There is a one-to-one correspondence between formally real Jordan algebras and convex cones that are:

  • open;
  • regular;
  • homogeneous;
  • self-dual.
  • Convex cones satisfying these four properties are called domains of positivity or symmetric cones. The domain of positivity associated with a real Jordan algebra A is the interior of the 'positive' cone A + = { a 2 : a A } .

    Proof

    For a proof, see Koecher (1999) or Faraut & Koranyi (1994).

    References

    Koecher–Vinberg theorem Wikipedia