Cuntz--Pimsner algebras of partial automorphisms twisted by vector bundles I: Fixed point algebra, simplicity and the tracial state space

Abstract

We associate a $C^*$-algebra to a partial action of the integers acting on the base space of a vector bundle, using the framework of Cuntz--Pimsner algebras. We investigate the structure of the fixed point algebra under the canonical gauge action, and show that it arises from a continuous field of $C^*$-algebras over the base space, generalising results of Vasselli. We also analyse the ideal structure, and show that for a free action, ideals correspond to open invariant subspaces of the base space. This shows that if the action is free and minimal, then the Cuntz--Pimsner algebra is simple. Finally we establish a bijective corrrespondence between tracial states and invariant measures on the base space, thereby calculating part of the Elliott invariant. This generalizes results about the $C^*$-algebras associated to homeomorphisms twisted by vector bundles of Adamo, Archey, Forough, Georgescu, Jeong, Strung and Viola.