Compact and discrete subgroups of algebraic quantum groups I

Let $G$ be a locally compact group. Consider the C$^*$-algebra $C_0(G)$ of continuous complex functions on $G$, tending to 0 at infinity. The product in $G$ gives rise to a coproduct $\Delta_G$ on the C$^*$-algebra $C_0(G)$. A locally compact {\it quantum} group is a pair $(A,\Delta)$ of a C$^*$-algebra $A$ with a coproduct $\Delta$ on $A$, satisfying certain conditions. The definition guarantees that the pair $(C_0(G),\Delta_G)$ is a locally compact quantum group and that conversely, every locally compact quantum group $(A,\Delta)$ is of this form when the underlying C$^*$-algebra $A$ is abelian. Assume now that $G$ is a locally compact group with a compact open subgroup $K$. The algebra of complex functions on $G$ of {\it polynomial type} is a dense multiplier Hopf $^*$-algebra with positive integrals (i.e. an algebraic quantum group}. The characteristic function of $K$ is a group-like projection in this algebraic quantum group. In this paper, we study group-like projections in an arbitrary algebraic quantum group. We find several associated objects that generalize the classical objects associated to a compact open subgroup of a locally compact group.