Rigged Hilbert Space: Algebraic v.s. Continuous Dual Space

In summary, the conversation discusses the definitions of a rigged Hilbert space and its dual space, specifically whether the dual space is algebraic or continuous. It is determined to be continuous with respect to the norm topology. The conversation also mentions the PhD thesis of Prof. Rafael de la Madrid, which defines a topology for a subspace using a notion of convergence for sequences. The relationship between this topology and the metric topologies induced by different norms is also discussed. Finally, the possibility of the topology being determined by a countable family of seminorms is considered.
  • #1
Rasalhague
1,387
2
Definitions of a rigged Hilbert space typically talk about the "dual space" of a certain dense subspace of a given Hilbert space H. Do they mean the algebraic or the continuous dual space (continuous wrt the norm topology on H)?
 
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  • #2
Since they identify [itex]H^*[/itex] with H (by the Riesz representation theorem), they are talking about the continuous dual. That is: the bounded linear functionals from H to [itex]\mathbb{C}[/itex].
 
  • #3
Is it continuous with respect to the metric topology induced by the norm from the inner product on H, or continuous with respect to the other topology for the dense subset mentioned in the Wikipedia article?
 
  • #4
They say in the article that it is the continuous dual wrt the finer topology. This would make sense.
 
  • #5
Look on the internet for the PhD thesis of Prof. Rafael de la Madrid. Though some small corrections can be made to it, it's the gem for RHS.
 
  • #6
In equations (4.2) and (4.3), de la Madrid defines a notion of convergence for sequences of elements of the subspace [itex]\Phi[/itex], which he says induces a topology, T, for [itex]\Phi[/itex]. How does convergence induce a topology? I guess one works backwards somehow from the definition of sequence convergence: a sequence [itex](s_n )[/itex] converges to [itex]x\in X[/itex] iff [itex](s_n )[/itex] is in every neighborhood residually.

Is [itex]||\cdot ||_{l,m,n}[/itex] a norm for every [itex]l,m,n \in \mathbb{N}[/itex], as the notation suggests? If so, what is the relationship of T to the metric topologies induced by these norms? (Do they induce different topologies? Is T perhaps the intersection of these topologies?)

EDIT: Ah, reading Wikipedia: Sequential space and thence the first Franklin article, Spaces in which sequences suffice, specifically condition (b) in section 0, could it be that de la Madrid's topology comes from defining an open set as one for which every sequence converging to a point in the set is eventually/residually in the set?

The definition of a http://planetmath.org/FrechetSpace.html looks interesting too, in particular the determination of a topology by a countable family of seminorms. I wonder if the topology de la Madrid refers to is determined in such a way. Are his maps [itex]||\cdot ||_{l,m,n}[/itex] at least seminorms?
 
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1. What is a rigged Hilbert space?

A rigged Hilbert space is a mathematical concept that extends the traditional Hilbert space by including an algebraic dual space and a continuous dual space. This allows for a more flexible and comprehensive understanding of certain mathematical functions and operators.

2. What is the difference between the algebraic and continuous dual space?

The algebraic dual space is the set of all linear functionals on a vector space, while the continuous dual space is the set of all continuous linear functionals. In other words, the algebraic dual space includes all possible linear combinations, while the continuous dual space only includes those that are continuous.

3. How is a rigged Hilbert space useful in mathematics?

A rigged Hilbert space provides a more complete framework for understanding various mathematical functions and operators. It allows for a more flexible and nuanced approach to mathematical analysis and can be particularly useful in quantum mechanics and functional analysis.

4. What are some applications of rigged Hilbert spaces?

Rigged Hilbert spaces have various applications in mathematics, particularly in the fields of quantum mechanics, functional analysis, and signal processing. They are also used in the study of partial differential equations, quantum field theory, and harmonic analysis.

5. Are there any limitations to using rigged Hilbert spaces?

While rigged Hilbert spaces can be a useful tool in mathematics, they are not always necessary or applicable to every problem. In some cases, simpler mathematical frameworks may be more appropriate. Additionally, there may be certain mathematical functions or operators that cannot be fully understood or described using the concept of rigged Hilbert spaces.

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