Ergodic Actions of Universal Quantum Groups on Operator Algebras

We construct ergodic actions of compact quantum groups on C^*-algebras and von Neumann algebras, and exhibit phenomena of such actions that are of a different nature from ergodic actions of compact Lie groups. In particular, we construct: (1). ergodic actions of the compact quantum groups $A_u(Q)$ on the Powers factors; (2). ergodic actions of the compact quantum groups $A_u(n)$ on the hyperfinite II_1 factor; (3). ergodic actions of the compact quantum groups $A_u(Q)$ on the Cuntz algebras; (4). ergodic actions of general compact quantum groups on their homogeneous spaces and an example of a non-homogeneous classical space that nevertheless admits an ergodic action of a compact quantum group.