English

Matrix-Test Duality: A Support-Function Characterization for $C^*$-Convex Families of CP Maps

Operator Algebras 2026-05-12 v2 Functional Analysis

Abstract

We develop a matrix-test dual framework for CC^*-convex families of completely positive maps \CP(S,T)\CP(\mathscr S,\mathscr T), where S\mathscr S is an operator system and T\mathscr T is a unital CC^*-algebra. Matrix tests (k,f,s)(k,f,s) induce evaluation functionals Φf(Φk(s))\Phi\mapsto f(\Phi_k(s)) and generate a natural weak topology τ=σ(E,F)\tau=\sigma(\mathcal E,\mathcal F) on E=spanC(\CP(S,T))\mathcal E=\mathrm{span}_{\mathbb C}(\CP(\mathscr S,\mathscr T)). Our main result provides a support-function/separation characterization of the τ\tau-closed CC^*-convex hull \cconv(K)τ\overline{\cconv(\mathcal K)}^{\,\tau} of a family K\CP(S,T)\mathcal K\subseteq \CP(\mathscr S,\mathscr T) in terms of matrix-test inequalities. A key technical tool is a finite-dimensional folding procedure that compresses finite linear combinations of test functionals into a single higher-level matrix test. As consequences, we obtain a single-test witness for non-membership, support-function criteria for inclusion and equality of τ\tau-closed CC^*-convex hulls, and, under 0\cconv(K)τ0\in\overline{\cconv(\mathcal K)}^{\,\tau}, an exact normalized bipolar-type reconstruction statement. We also show that τ\tau is already generated by level-11 tests, although higher matrix levels remain essential in the geometric test inequalities.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2511.13101,
  title  = {Matrix-Test Duality: A Support-Function Characterization for $C^*$-Convex Families of CP Maps},
  author = {Mohsen Kian and Mario Krnic},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2511.13101},
  year   = {2026}
}