Weak convergence of orthonormal sequences in Hilbert space

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SUMMARY

Orthonormal sequences in Hilbert spaces converge weakly to zero, a property derived from the Bessel inequality. The discussion highlights the connection between the Bessel inequality and weak convergence, specifically how the condition |\langle e_n, x \rangle |^2 \rightarrow 0 leads to the conclusion that e_n converges to 0 in the weak topology. The participants clarify their understanding of this result, emphasizing the importance of recognizing that convergence of the series implies the individual terms approach zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hilbert spaces and their properties
  • Familiarity with orthonormal sequences
  • Knowledge of the Bessel inequality
  • Basic concepts of weak convergence in functional analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the proof of the Bessel inequality in detail
  • Explore weak convergence in the context of functional analysis
  • Learn about the implications of weak convergence in Hilbert spaces
  • Investigate additional resources on convergence theorems in analysis
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Mathematicians, students of functional analysis, and anyone studying properties of Hilbert spaces and convergence theories.

kisengue
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So, I've found the result that orthonormal sequences in Hilbert spaces always converge weakly to zero. I've only found wikipedia's "small proof" of this statement, though I have found the statement itself in many places, textbooks and such.

I've come to understand that this property follows from the Bessel inequality, and I've worked out many of the details, so I feel that I understand the Bessel inequality itself quite well. What I don't get is how the inequality gives us the weak convergence - the proof on wikipedia only states that "Therefore, |\langle e_n, x \rangle |^2 \rightarrow 0" after stating the Bessel inequality. It doesn't make sense to me - how is this information gleaned?
 
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Can you at least link to the Wikipedia page? Are you asking how to see that ##|\langle e_n, x \rangle |^2 \rightarrow 0##, or how to see that this means that ##e_n\to 0## with respect to the weak topology?
 
You do know that if the series

\sum_{n=0}^{+\infty}{a_n}

converges, that a_n\rightarrow 0??
 
The proof (sorry for not linking it immediately). Fredrik, I'm asking the first of those two - the second I understand.

Micromass: I didn't think of that... but of course. Of course. Damn it. Now I get it, I think.
 

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