Crossed products and entropy of automorphisms

Abstract

Let A be an exact C^*-algebra, let G be a locally compact group, and let (A,G,α) be a C*-dynamical system. Each automorphism α_g induces a spatial automorphism Ad_{\lamba_g} on the reduced crossed product A\times_αG. In this paper we examine the question, first raised by E. Stormer, of when the topological entropies of α_g and Ad_{α_g} coincide. This had been answered by N. Brown for the particular case of discrete abelian groups. Using different methods, we extend his result to a wider class of groups called locally [FIA]^-. This class includes all abelian groups, both discrete and continuous, as well as all compact groups.