Higher rank graph C*-algebras

Building on recent work of Robertson and Steger, we associate a C*-algebra to a combinatorial object which may be thought of as a higher rank graph. This C*-algebra is shown to be isomorphic to that of the associated path groupoid. Sufficient conditions on the higher rank graph are found for the associated C*-algebra to be simple, purely infinite and AF. Results concerning the structure of crossed products by certain natural actions of discrete groups are obtained; a technique for constructing rank 2 graphs from ``commuting'' rank 1 graphs is given.