A generalization of the classical moment problem on *-algebras with applications to relativistic quantum theory. I.

A (non-commutative) generalization of the classical moment problem is formulated on arbitrary *-algebras with units. This is used to produce aC*-algebra associated with the space of test functions for quantum fields. ThisC*-algebra plays a role in theories of bounded localized observables in Hilbert space which is similar to that of the space of test functions in quantum field theories (namely it is represented in Hilbert space). The case of local quantum fields which satisfy a slight generalization of the growth condition is investigated. Laboratorie associé au Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique.