Bergman Space Structure,Commutative Algebras of Toeplitz Operators,and Hyperbolic Geometry

We exhibit a surprising but natural connection among the Bergman space structure, commutative algebras of Toeplitz operators and pencils of hyperbolic straight lines. The commutative C*-algebras of Toeplitz operators on the unit disk can be classified as follows. Each pencil of hyperbolic straight lines determines the set of symbols consisting of functions which are constant on corresponding cycles, the orthogonal trajectories to lines forming a pencil. It turns out that the C*-algebra generated by Toeplitz operators with this class of symbols is commutative. Submitted: January 15, 2001?Revised: February 7, 2002