Factorization of positive definite kernels. Correspondences: $C^{*}$-algebraic and operator valued context vs scalar valued kernels
Abstract
We introduce and study a class of generalized positive definite kernels of the form , where is a unital -algebra and a Hilbert space. These kernels encode operator-valued correlations governed by the algebraic structure of , and generalize classical scalar-valued positive definite kernels, completely positive (CP) maps, and states on -algebras. Our approach is based on a scalar-valued kernel associated to , which defines a reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) and enables a concrete, representation-theoretic analysis of the structure of such kernels. We show that every admits a Stinespring-type factorization . In analogy with the Radon--Nikodym theory for CP maps, we characterize kernel domination in terms of a positive operator satisfying . We further show that when is irreducible, domination implies scalar proportionality, thus recovering the classical correspondence between pure states and irreducible representations.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2505.21037,
title = {Factorization of positive definite kernels. Correspondences: $C^{*}$-algebraic and operator valued context vs scalar valued kernels},
author = {Palle E. T. Jorgensen and James Tian},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2505.21037},
year = {2025}
}