State (functional analysis) - Definition and Overview

In functional analysis, a state on a C*-algebra is a positive linear functional of norm 1. The set of states on a C*-algebra A with identity is a compact convex set in the weak*-topology.

In the C*-algebraic formulation of quantum mechanics, states in this previous sense correspond to physical states.

See also:

• pure state

• GNS construction

• Quantum mechanics
  • Quantum state
  • density state
  • coherent state.