On a conjecture by Ghahramani-Lau and related problems concerning topological centres (Q557046): Difference between revisions

Let \(A\) be a Banach algebra and \(A^{**}\) be the second dual of \(A\). It was shown by \textit{R. Arens} [Monatsh. Math. 55, 1--19 (1951; Zbl 0042.35601)] that there are two products (called the left and right Arens product) on \(A^{**}\) extending the multiplication of \(A\). The (first) topological center denoted by \(Z_1(A^{**})\) of \(A^{**}\) is the closed subalgebra \(A^{**}\) consisting of all \(m\in A^{**}\) such that the map \(n\to m\cdot n\) from \(A^{**}\) to \(A^{**}\) is weak\(^*\)-weak\(^*\) continuous, where \(\cdot\) denotes the Arens product of \(A^{**}\). In the case that \(A\) is commutative, \(Z_1(A^{**})\) is precisely the algebraic centre of \(A^{**}\). An algebra is called left strongly Arens irregular if \(Z_1(A^{**})=A\). It was well known [\textit{A. T.-M. Lau} and \textit{V. Losert}, J. Lond. Math. Soc., II. Ser. 37, No.~3, 464--470 (1988; Zbl 0608.43002)] that if \(A\) is the group algebra of a locally compact group, then \(A\) is left strongly Arens irregular. In [J. Funct. Anal. 132, No.~1, 170--191 (1995; Zbl 0832.22007)], \textit{F. Ghahramani} and the reviewer conjectured that the measure algebra of a locally compact group is strongly Arens irregular. In this important paper, the author shows that this conjecture holds for a large class of locally compact groups. Neufang's new and powerful approach uses the concept of Mazur property of higher cardinal level for general Banach algebras with a certain factorization property for bounded families in \(A^*\) of the same cardinality. This approach also yields a partial answer to a question raised by \textit{A. Ülger} and the reviewer [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 348, No.~3, 1191--1212 (1996; Zbl 0859.43001)] on the topological centre of the algebra \((A^*\cdot A)^*\) as well as other related problems.