Semi-simple and complete MV-algebras (Q1185226)

C. C. Chang introduced MV-algebras in 1958 as the Lindenbaum algebras of the infinite-valued sentential calculus of Łukasiewicz. Following the reviewer's paper ``Interpretation of AF \(C^*\)-algebras in Łukasiewicz sentential calculus'' [J. Funct. Anal. 65, 15-63 (1986; Zbl 0597.46059)], we say that \(A=(A,0,1,^*,\bullet,\oplus)\) is an MV- algebra iff \((A,0,\oplus)\) is an Abelian monoid, and \(x\oplus 1=1\), \(0^*=1\), \(1^*=0\), \(x\bullet y=(x^*\oplus y^*)^*\), \((x^*\oplus y)^*\oplus y=(y^*\oplus x)^*\oplus x\). Boolean algebras are the same thing as MV-algebras obeying \(x\oplus x=x\). MV-algebras have recently attracted increasing attention for their applications in various mathematical areas. For instance, in the above-mentioned paper, it is shown that MV-algebras are categorically equivalent to Abelian lattice- ordered groups with a distinguished strong unit; from \(K_ 0\)-theory it follows that countable MV-algebras are in one-one correspondence with approximately finite-dimensional \(C^*\)-algebras whose \(K_ 0\)-group is lattice-ordered. This correspondence preserves exact sequences and spectra. Building on his previous paper ``Semi-simple algebras of infinite valued logic and bold fuzzy set theory'' [Can. J. Math. 38, 1356-1379 (1986; Zbl 0625.03009)], the author investigates the spectral and completeness properties of MV-algebras. As proved by Chang, sitting inside every MV-algebra \(A\) there is a distributive lattice \((A,\land,\lor)\), where \(x\lor y=(x^*\oplus y)^*\oplus y\), and \(x\land y=(x^*\lor y^*)^*\). Completeness and atomicity properties of \(A\) are defined with reference to the underlying lattice structure. An MV-algebra is called semisimple iff the intersection of all its maximal ideals is zero. As proved by the author in the paper under review, the class of semisimple MV-algebras cannot be characterized by any set of first-order sentences. Further, omega-completeness already implies semisimplicity. In the above-mentioned paper, the author gave a characterization of those MV-algebras which are simultaneously complete and atomic. Pursuing this line of research, in the present paper complete nonatomic MV-algebras having some atom are given the following characterization: any such MV-algebra is isomorphic to the direct product of a complete atomic MV-algebra and a complete atomless MV-algebra.