title: The operator algebra approach to quantum groups.
abstract: A relatively simple definition of a locally compact quantum group in the C*-algebra setting will be explained as it was recently obtained by the authors. At the same time, we put this definition in the historical and mathematical context of locally compact groups, compact quantum groups, Kac algebras, multiplicative unitaries, and duality theory.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mathematics, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kustermans
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vaes