Characteristic functions and joint invariant subspaces

Let T:=[T_1,..., T_n] be an n-tuple of operators on a Hilbert space such that T is a completely non-coisometric row contraction. We establish the existence of a "one-to-one" correspondence between the joint invariant subspaces under T_1,..., T_n, and the regular factorizations of the characteristic function associated with T. In particular, we prove that there is a non-trivial joint invariant subspace under the operators T_1,..., T_n, if and only if there is a non-trivial regular factorization of the characteristic function. We also provide a functional model for the joint invariant subspaces in terms of the regular factorizations of the characteristic function, and prove the existence of joint invariant subspaces for certain classes of n-tuples of operators. We obtain criterions for joint similarity of n-tuples of operators to Cuntz row isometries. In particular, we prove that a completely non-coisometric row contraction T is jointly similar to a Cuntz row isometry if and only if the characteristic function of T is an invertible multi-analytic operator.Comment: 35 page

Free pluriharmonic majorants and noncommutative interpolation

In this paper, we initiate the study of sub-pluriharmonic curves in Cuntz-Toeplitz algebras and free pluriharmonic majorants on noncommutative balls. We are lead to a characterization of the noncommutative Hardy space $H^2_{\bf ball}$ in terms of free pluriharmonic majorants, and to a Schur type description of the unit ball of $H^2_{\bf ball}$. These results are used to solve a multivariable commutant lifting problem and provide a description of all solutions.Comment: 35 page