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Probabilities concentrated on Quantum Subgroups

November 6, 2018 in Probability Theory, Quantum Groups, Random Walks on Finite Quantum Groups, Research | Leave a comment

Quantum Subgroups

Let C(G) be a the algebra of functions on a finite or perhaps compact quantum group (with comultiplication \Delta) and \nu\in M_p(G) a state on C(G). We say that a quantum group H with algebra of function C(H) (with comultiplication \Delta_H) is a quantum subgroup of G if there exists a surjective unital *-homomorphism \pi:C(G)\rightarrow C(H) such that:

\displaystyle \Delta_H\circ \pi=(\pi\otimes \pi)\circ \Delta.

The Classical Case

In the classical case, where the algebras of functions on G and H are commutative,

\displaystyle \pi(\delta_g)=\left\{\begin{array}{cc}\delta_g & \text{ if }g\in H \\ 0 & \text{ otherwise}\end{array}\right..

There is a natural embedding, in the classical case, if H is open (always true for G finite) (thanks UwF) of \imath: C(H) \xrightarrow\, C(G),

\displaystyle \sum_{h\in H}a_h \delta_h \mapsto \sum_{g\in G} a_g \delta_g,

with a_g=a_h for h\in G, and a_g=0 otherwise.

Furthermore, \pi is has the property that

\pi\circ\imath\circ \pi=\pi,

which resembles \pi^2=\pi.

In the case where \nu is a probability on a classical group G, supported on a subgroup H, it is very easy to see that convolutions \nu^{\star k} remain supported on H. Indeed, \nu^{\star k} is the distribution of the random variable

\xi_k=\zeta_k\cdots \zeta_2\cdot \zeta_1,

where the i.i.d. \zeta_i\sim \nu. Clearly \xi_k\in H and so \nu^{\star k} is supported on H.

We can also prove this using the language of the commutative algebra of functions on G, C(G). The state \nu\in M_p(G) being supported on H implies that

\nu\circ\imath\circ \pi=\nu\imath\pi=\nu.

Consider now two probabilities on G but supported on H, say \mu,\,\nu. As they are supported on H we have

\mu=\mu\imath\pi and \nu=\nu\imath\pi.

Consider

(\mu\star \nu)\imath\pi=(\mu\otimes \nu)\circ \Delta\circ \imath\pi

=((\mu\imath\pi)\otimes(\nu\imath\pi))\circ \Delta\circ\imath\pi =(\mu\imath\otimes \nu\imath)(\pi\circ \pi)\Delta\circ\imath\pi

=(\mu\imath\otimes\nu\imath)(\Delta_H\circ \pi\circ \imath\circ \pi)=(\mu\imath\otimes\nu\imath)(\Delta_H\circ \pi)

=(\mu\imath\otimes \nu\imath)\circ (\pi\circ \pi)\circ\Delta=(\mu\imath\pi\otimes \nu\imath\pi)\circ\Delta

=(\mu\otimes\nu)\circ\Delta=\mu\star \nu,

that is \mu\star \nu is also supported on H and inductively \nu^{\star k}.

Some Questions

Back to quantum groups with non-commutative algebras of functions.

  • Can we embed C(H) in C(G) with a map \imath and do we have \pi\circ \imath\circ \pi=\pi, giving the projection-like quality to \pi?
  • Is \nu\circ\imath\circ \pi=\nu a suitable definition for \nu being supported on the subgroup H.

If this is the case, the above proof carries through to the quantum case.

  • If there is no such embedding, what is the appropriate definition of a \nu\in M_p(G) being supported on a quantum subgroup H?
  • If \pi does not have the property of \pi\circ \imath\circ \pi=\pi, in this or another definition, is it still true that \nu being supported on H implies that \nu^{\star k} is too?

Edit

UwF has recommended that I look at this paper to improve my understanding of the concepts involved.

General Mathematical Audience Talk: The Diaconis-Shahshahani Upper Bound Lemma for Finite Quantum Groups

September 1, 2018 in Probability Theory, Quantum Groups, Random Walks on Finite Quantum Groups, Research, Research Updates | Leave a comment

Slides of a talk given at the Irish Mathematical Society 2018 Meeting at University College Dublin, August 2018.

Abstract Four generalisations are used to illustrate the topic. The generalisation from finite “classical” groups to finite quantum groups is motivated using the language of functors (“classical” in this context meaning that the algebra of functions on the group is commutative). The generalisation from random walks on finite “classical” groups to random walks on finite quantum groups is given, as is the generalisation of total variation distance to the quantum case. Finally, a central tool in the study of random walks on finite “classical” groups is the Upper Bound Lemma of Diaconis & Shahshahani, and a generalisation of this machinery is used to find convergence rates of random walks on finite quantum groups.

The Cut-Off Phenomenon in Random Walks on Compact Quantum Groups

February 13, 2018 in Quantum Groups, Research, Research Updates | 1 comment

Amaury Freslon has put a pre-print on the arXiv, Cut-off phenomenon for random walks on free orthogonal quantum groups, that answers so many of these questions, some of which appeared as natural further problems in my PhD thesis.

It really is a fantastic paper and I am delighted to see my PhD work cited: it appears that while I may have taken some of the low hanging fruit, Amaury has really extended these ideas and has developed some fantastic examples: all beyond my current tools.

This pre-print gives me great impetus to draft a pre-print of my PhD work, hopefully for publication. I am committed to improving my results and presentation, and Amaury’s paper certainly provides some inspiration is this direction.

As things stand I do not have to tools to develop results as good as Amaury’s. Therefore I am trying to develop my understanding of compact quantum groups and their representation theory. Afterwards I can hopefully study some of the remaining further problems mentioned in the thesis.

As suggested by Uwe Franz, representation theoretic methods (such as presented by Diaconis (1988) for the classical case), might be useful for analysing random walks on quantum homogeneous spaces.

Projection Distance Equal to Total Variation Distance?

November 9, 2017 in C*-Algebras & Operator Theory, Probability Theory, Quantum Groups, Random Walks on Finite Quantum Groups, Research | 2 comments

Distances between Probability Measures

Let G be a finite quantum group and M_p(G) be the set of states on the \mathrm{C}^\ast-algebra F(G).

The algebra F(G) has an invariant state \int_G\in\mathbb{C}G=F(G)^\ast, the dual space of F(G).

Define a (bijective) map \mathcal{F}:F(G)\rightarrow \mathbb{C}G, by

\displaystyle \mathcal{F}(a)b=\int_G ba,

for a,b\in F(G).

Then, where \|\cdot\|_1^{F(G)}=\int_G|\cdot| and \|\cdot\|_\infty^{F(G)}=\|\cdot\|_{\text{op}}, define the total variation distance between states \nu,\mu\in M_p(G) by

\displaystyle \|\nu-\mu\|=\frac12 \|\mathcal{F}^{-1}(\nu-\mu)\|_1^{F(G)}.

(Quantum Total Variation Distance (QTVD))

Standard non-commutative \mathcal{L}^p machinary shows that:

\displaystyle \|\nu-\mu\|=\sup_{\phi\in F(G):\|\phi\|_\infty^{F(G)}\leq 1}\frac12|\nu(\phi)-\mu(\phi)|.

(supremum presentation)

In the classical case, using the test function \phi=2\mathbf{1}_S-\mathbf{1}_G, where S=\{\nu\geq \mu\}, we have the probabilists’ preferred definition of total variation distance:

\displaystyle \|\nu-\mu\|_{\text{TV}}=\sup_{S\subset G}|\nu(\mathbf{1}_S)-\mu(\mathbf{1}_S)|=\sup_{S\subset G}|\nu(S)-\mu(S)|.

In the classical case the set of indicator functions on the subsets of the group exhaust the set of projections in F(G), and therefore the classical total variation distance is equal to:

\displaystyle \|\nu-\mu\|_P=\sup_{p\text{ a projection}}|\nu(p)-\mu(p)|.

(Projection Distance)

In all cases the quantum total variation distance and the supremum presentation are equal. In the classical case they are equal also to the projection distance. Therefore, in the classical case, we are free to define the total variation distance by the projection distance.

Quantum Projection Distance \neq Quantum Variation Distance?

Perhaps, however, on truly quantum finite groups the projection distance could differ from the QTVD. In particular, a pair of states on a M_n(\mathbb{C}) factor of F(G) might be different in QTVD vs in projection distance (this cannot occur in the classical case as all the factors are one dimensional).

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Talk: The Diaconis-Shahshahani Upper Bound Lemma for Finite Quantum Groups

May 21, 2017 in Probability Theory, Quantum Groups, Random Walks on Finite Quantum Groups, Research, Research Updates | 1 comment

Slides of a talk given at the Topological Quantum Groups and Harmonic Analysis workshop at Seoul National University, May 2017.

Abstract A central tool in the study of ergodic random walks on finite groups is the Upper Bound Lemma of Diaconis & Shahshahani. The Upper Bound Lemma uses the representation theory of the group to generate upper bounds for the distance to random and thus can be used to determine convergence rates for ergodic walks. These ideas are generalised to the case of finite quantum groups.

PhD — Finished!

May 9, 2017 in General, Quantum Groups, Random Walks on Finite Quantum Groups, Research, Research Updates | Leave a comment

After a long time I have finally completed my PhD studies when I handed in my hardbound thesis (a copy of which you can see here).

It was a very long road but thankfully now the pressure is lifted and I can enjoy my study of quantum groups and random walks thereon for many years to come.

Quantum Groups: An Introduction

October 12, 2016 in General, Quantum Groups | Leave a comment

The following is taken (almost) directly from the first draft of my PhD thesis.

The Quantisation Functor

This functor can be used to motivate the correct notion of (the algebra of functions on) a quantum group. Note that the ‘quantised’ objects that are arrived at via this ‘categorical quantisation’ are nothing but the established definitions so this section should be considered as little more than a motivation. The author feels that introductory texts on quantum groups could include these ideas and that is why they are included here. This quantisation is the translation of statements about a finite group, G into statements about the algebra of functions on G, F(G).

This notion of quantisation sits naturally in category theory where two functors — the \mathbb{C} functor and the dual functor — lead towards a satisfactory quantisation.

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An Introduction to the Philosophy of Quantum Groups

January 19, 2016 in General, Quantum Groups, Research | Leave a comment

I gave this talk at the CIT Spring Seminar Series.

This is about as short and introduction to quantum groups as you can imagine: I only had 15 minutes!

Quantum Diaconis-Shahshahani Lemma

May 21, 2015 in General, Quantum Groups, Random Walks on Finite Quantum Groups, Research, Research Updates | Leave a comment

Let \mathbb{G} be a finite quantum group described by A=\mathcal{C}(\mathbb{G}) with an involutive antipode (I know this is true is the commutative or cocommutative case. I am not sure at this point how restrictive it is in general. The compact matrix quantum groups have this property so it isn’t a terrible restriction.) S^2=I_A. Under the assumption of finiteness, there is a unique Haar state, h:A\rightarrow \mathbb{C} on A.

Representation Theory

A representation of \mathbb{G} is a linear map \kappa:V\rightarrow V\otimes A that satisfies

\left(\kappa\otimes I_A\right)\circ\kappa =\left(I_V\otimes \Delta\right)\circ \kappa\text{\qquad and \qquad}\left(I_V\otimes\varepsilon\right)\circ \kappa=I_V.

The dimension of \kappa is given by \dim\,V. If V has basis \{e_i\} then we can define the matrix elements of \kappa by

\displaystyle\kappa\left(e_j\right)=\sum_i e_i\otimes\rho_{ij}.

One property of these that we will use it that \varepsilon\left(\rho_{ij}\right)=\delta_{i,j}.

Two representations \kappa_1:V_1\rightarrow V_1\otimes A and \kappa_2:V_2\rightarrow V_2\otimes A are said to be equivalent, \kappa_1\equiv \kappa_2, if there is an invertible intertwiner between them. An intertwiner between \kappa_1 and \kappa_2 is a map T\in L\left(V_1,V_2\right) such that

\displaystyle\kappa_2\circ T=\left(T\otimes I_A\right)\circ \kappa_1.

We can show that every representation is equivalent to a unitary representation.

Timmermann shows that if \{\kappa_\alpha\}_{\alpha} is a maximal family of pairwise inequivalent irreducible representation that \{\rho_{ij}^\alpha\}_{\alpha,i,j} is a basis of A. When we refer to “the matrix elements” we always refer to such a family. We define the span of \{\rho_{ij}\} as \mathcal{C}\left(\kappa\right), the space of matrix elements of \kappa.

Given a representation \kappa, we define its conjugate, \overline{\kappa}:\overline{V}\rightarrow\overline{V}\otimes A, where \overline{V} is the conjugate vector space of V, by

\displaystyle\overline{\kappa}\left(\bar{e_j}\right)=\sum_i \bar{e_i}\otimes\rho_{ij}^*,

so that the matrix elements of \overline{\kappa} are \{\rho_{ij}^*\}.

Timmermann shows that the matrix elements have the following orthogonality relations:

  • If \alpha and \beta are inequivalent then h\left(a^*b\right)=0, for all a\in \mathcal{C}\left(\kappa_\alpha\right) and b\in\mathcal{C}\left(\kappa_\beta\right).
  • If \kappa is such that the conjugate, \overline{\kappa}, is equivalent to a unitary matrix (this is the case in the finite dimensional case), then we have

\displaystyle h\left(\rho_{ij}^*\rho_{kl}\right)=\frac{\delta_{i,k}\delta_{j,l}}{d_\alpha}.

This second relation is more complicated without the S^2=I_A assumption and refers to the entries and trace of an intertwiner F from \kappa to the coreprepresention with matrix elements \{S^2\left(\rho_{ij}\right)\}. If S^2=I_A, then this intertwiner is simply the identity on V and so the the entries \left[F\right]_{ij}=\delta_{i,j} and the trace is d=\dim V.

Denote by \text{Irr}(\mathbb{G}) the set of unitary equivalence classes of irreducible unitary representations of \mathbb{G}. For each \alpha\in\text{Irr}(\mathbb{G}), let \kappa_\alpha:V_{\alpha}\rightarrow V_{\alpha}\otimes A be a representative of the class \alpha where V_\alpha is the finite dimensional vector space on which \kappa_\alpha acts.

Diaconis-Van Daele Fourier Theory

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Co-Representations of Quantum Groups

February 12, 2013 in Quantum Groups, Research | Leave a comment

Taken from An Invitation to Quantum Groups and Duality by Timmermann.

Let A be a quantum group with a comultiplication \Delta. We make the following definitions. A corepresentation of A on a complex vector space V is a linear map \chi:V\rightarrow V\otimes A that dualises representations with the coassociativity and counit properties:

(I\otimes \Delta)\circ \chi=(\chi\otimes I)\circ \chi, and

(I \otimes\varepsilon)\circ\chi=I.

Now we wish to dualise the terms invariant, irreducible, unitary, intertwiner, equivalent, matrix elements. As we want a theory dual to group representation we won’t use Timmermann’s definitions at face value but instead construct them from their group representation counterparts. This might prove difficult. In attempting to dualise group representation theory as quantum group corepresentation theory is ‘everything’ dualised?  Our first term here provides a problem. Do we need an invariant corepresentation or a ‘coinvariant representation’?

Invariant

An invariant subspace of a group representation \Phi:(V,G) is a subspace W\subset V such that

\Phi(w,g)\in W for all w\in W and g\in G.

This means that for the family of linear maps \{\rho(g):g\in G\}, W is stable subspace. How this is dualised is important in how we may hope to write a corepresentation as a direct sum of irreducible corepresentations so we need the right definition. Timmermann calls W\subset V invariant if \chi(W)\subset W\otimes A. If we could view the co-representation as a family of endomorphisms on V then we might be able to write down a definition of co-invariant or maybe say that Timmermann’s definition is what we need.

As an example of what we might need to do let \Phi:F(G)\times G\rightarrow G be the regular action of a group and let W\subset be the subspace of constant functions. This set is invariant. Thinking about this yields a definition of co-invariant. 

A subspace W\subset V is co-invariant for \chi if W\otimes A\subset \chi(W).

Timmermann’s definition makes good sense. One is confused between invariant co-representation and co-invariant co-representation. I am guessing that Timmermann’s definition will allow us to do what we want.

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