C*-algebra

C∗-algebras (pronounced "C-star") are an area of research in functional analysis, a branch of mathematics. A C*-algebra is a complex algebra A of continuous linear operators on a complex Hilbert space with two additional properties: * A is a topologically closed set in the norm topology of operators. * A is closed under the operation of taking adjoints of operators. Around 1943, the work of Israel Gelfand and Mark Naimark yielded an abstract characterisation of C*-algebras making no reference to operators on a Hilbert space.

C*-algebra

C∗-algebras (pronounced "C-star") are an area of research in functional analysis, a branch of mathematics. A C*-algebra is a complex algebra A of continuous linear operators on a complex Hilbert space with two additional properties: * A is a topologically closed set in the norm topology of operators. * A is closed under the operation of taking adjoints of operators. Around 1943, the work of Israel Gelfand and Mark Naimark yielded an abstract characterisation of C*-algebras making no reference to operators on a Hilbert space.