Commutativity theorems for normed *-algebras
Commutators in Banach *-algebras
The set of commutators in a Banach *-algebra A, with continuous involution, is examined. Applications are made to the case where A = B(ℓ₂), the algebra of all bounded linear operators on ℓ₂.
C*-seminorms
A necessary and sufficient condition is given for a*-algebra with identity to have a unique maximal C*-seminorm. This generalizes the result, due to Bonsall, that a Banach *-algebra with identity has such a*-seminorm.
C*-seminorms on partial *-algebras: an overview
The main facts about unbounded C*-seminorms on partial *-algebras are reviewed and the link with the representation theory is discussed. In particular, starting from the more familiar case of *-algebras, we examine C*-seminorms that are defined from suitable families of positive linear or sesquilinear forms, mimicking the construction of the Gelfand seminorm for Banach *-algebras. The admissibility of these forms in terms of the (unbounded) C*-seminorms they generate is characterized.