Isometries between quantum convolution algebras

Abstract

Given locally compact quantum groups $\G_1$ and $\G_2$, we show that if the convolution algebras $L^1(\G_1)$ and $L^1(\G_2)$ are isometrically isomorphic as algebras, then $\G_1$ is isomorphic either to $\G_2$ or the commutant $\G_2'$. Furthermore, given an isometric algebra isomorphism $\theta:L^1(\G_2) \rightarrow L^1(\G_1)$, the adjoint is a *-isomorphism between $L^\infty(\G_1)$ and either $L^\infty(\G_2)$ or its commutant, composed with a twist given by a member of the intrinsic group of $L^\infty(\G_2)$. This extends known results for Kac algebras (although our proofs are somewhat different) which in turn generalised classical results of Wendel and Walter. We show that the same result holds for isometric algebra homomorphisms between quantum measure algebras (either reduced or universal). We make some remarks about the intrinsic groups of the enveloping von Neumann algebras of C$^*$-algebraic quantum groups.