Hilbert space module over a von Neumann algebra

Here a Hilbert space module means a Hilbert space with a unital star-representation of a Von Neumann algebra, rather than a Hilbert C-star module with an algebra-valued inner product. A closed invariant subspace is reducing because the algebra is closed under adjoints. Module equivalence means an intertwining unitary. The polar decomposition of a bounded operator converts an intertwiner into a unitary between its initial and final support subspaces.

Two Hilbert space modules are unitarily equivalent if each embeds isometrically as a closed submodule of the other. For isometric intertwiners $u:H_1\to H_2$ and $v:H_2\to H_1$, let $D=H_1\ominus v{H}_2$ and $K={⨁}_{n\ge 0}(vu{)}^{n}D$. These summands are orthogonal. The operator acting as $u$ on $K$ and as $v^{\ast }$ on $K^{\perp }$ is the required unitary onto $H_2$.