Graph algebras are a family of operator algebras which are associated to directed graphs. These algebras have an attractive structure theory in which algebraic properties of the algebra are related to the behavior of paths in the underlying graph. In the past few years there has been a great deal of activity in this area, and graph algebras have cropped up in a surprising variety of situations, including non-abelian duality, non-commutative geometry, and the classification of simple $C*$-algebras. The first part of the book provides an introduction to the subject suitable for students who have seen a first course on the basics of $C*$-algebras. In the second part, the author surveys the literature on the structure theory of graph algebras, highlights some applications of this theory, and discusses several recent generalizations which seem particularly promising. The volume is suitable for graduate students and research mathematicians interested in graph theory and operator algebras.

Graph algebras possess the capacity to relate fundamental concepts of computer science, combinatorics, graph theory, operations research, and universal algebra. They are used to identify nontrivial connections across notions, expose conceptual properties, and mediate the application of methods from one area toward questions of the other four. After a concentrated review of the prerequisite mathematical background, Graph Algebras and Automata defines graph algebras and reveals their applicability to automata theory. It proceeds to explore assorted monoids, semigroups, rings, codes, and other algebraic structures and to outline theorems and algorithms for finite state automata and grammars.

A recent paper on subfactors of von Neumann factors has stimulated much research in von Neumann algebras. It was discovered soon after the appearance of this paper that certain algebras which are used there for the analysis of subfactors could also be used to define a new polynomial invariant for links. Recent efforts to understand the fundamental nature of the new link invariants has led to connections with invariant theory, statistical mechanics and quantum theory. In turn, the link invariants, the notion of a quantum group, and the quantum Yang-Baxter equation have had a great impact on the study of subfactors. Our subject is certain algebraic and von Neumann algebraic topics closely related to the original paper. However, in order to promote, in a modest way, the contact between diverse fields of mathematics, we have tried to make this work accessible to the broadest audience. Consequently, this book contains much elementary expository material.

This book introduces the study of algebra induced by combinatorial objects called directed graphs. These graphs are used as tools in the analysis of graph-theoretic problems and in the characterization and solution of analytic problems. The book presents recent research in operator algebra theory connected with discrete and combinatorial mathematic

This new edition illustrates the power of linear algebra in the study of graphs. The emphasis on matrix techniques is greater than in other texts on algebraic graph theory. Important matrices associated with graphs (for example, incidence, adjacency and Laplacian matrices) are treated in detail. Presenting a useful overview of selected topics in algebraic graph theory, early chapters of the text focus on regular graphs, algebraic connectivity, the distance matrix of a tree, and its generalized version for arbitrary graphs, known as the resistance matrix. Coverage of later topics include Laplacian eigenvalues of threshold graphs, the positive definite completion problem and matrix games based on a graph. Such an extensive coverage of the subject area provides a welcome prompt for further exploration. The inclusion of exercises enables practical learning throughout the book. In the new edition, a new chapter is added on the line graph of a tree, while some results in Chapter 6 on Perron-Frobenius theory are reorganized. Whilst this book will be invaluable to students and researchers in graph theory and combinatorial matrix theory, it will also benefit readers in the sciences and engineering.

This text presents six mini-courses, all devoted to interactions between representation theory of algebras, homological algebra, and the new ever-expanding theory of cluster algebras. The interplay between the topics discussed in this text will continue to grow and this collection of courses stands as a partial testimony to this new development. The courses are useful for any mathematician who would like to learn more about this rapidly developing field; the primary aim is to engage graduate students and young researchers. Prerequisites include knowledge of some noncommutative algebra or homological algebra. Homological algebra has always been considered as one of the main tools in the study of finite-dimensional algebras. The strong relationship with cluster algebras is more recent and has quickly established itself as one of the important highlights of today’s mathematical landscape. This connection has been fruitful to both areas—representation theory provides a categorification of cluster algebras, while the study of cluster algebras provides representation theory with new objects of study. The six mini-courses comprising this text were delivered March 7–18, 2016 at a CIMPA (Centre International de Mathématiques Pures et Appliquées) research school held at the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Argentina. This research school was dedicated to the founder of the Argentinian research group in representation theory, M.I. Platzeck. The courses held were: Advanced homological algebra Introduction to the representation theory of algebras Auslander-Reiten theory for algebras of infinite representation type Cluster algebras arising from surfaces Cluster tilted algebras Cluster characters Introduction to K-theory Brauer graph algebras and applications to cluster algebras

This book introduces the study of algebra induced by combinatorial objects called directed graphs. These graphs are used as tools in the analysis of graph-theoretic problems and in the characterization and solution of analytic problems. The book presents recent research in operator algebra theory connected with discrete and combinatorial mathematical objects. It also covers tools and methods from a variety of mathematical areas, including algebra, operator theory, and combinatorics, and offers numerous applications of fractal theory, entropy theory, K-theory, and index theory.