Arens semi-regularity of the algebra of compact operators (Q1087805)

Let \(K_ 0(X)\) denote the Banach algebra of operators uniformly approximable by operators of finite rank on a Banach space X, equipped with the uniform norm. It is known that \(K_ 0(X)\) is Arens regular if and only if X is reflexive. Therefore it is natural to ask for which non- reflexive Banach space X (provided the dual has the bounded approximation property) \(K_ 0(X)\) is semi-regular. This latter property amounts to a partial coincidence of the Arens products on the bidual of \(K_ 0(X)\) [see the author, Monatsh. Math. 98, No.1, 41-52 (1984; Zbl 0546.46039)]. Sections 1 to 5 deal with the general case. For example, \(K_ 0(X)\) is semi-regular if the dual \(X^ *\) has the Radon-Nikodym proerty (but not vice versa) or if every integral operator from \(X^ *\) to \(X^ *\) is nuclear. If Y is a complemented subspace of X and \(K_ 0(X)\) is semi- reguar then so is \(K_ 0(Y)\); moreover, \(K_ 0(X)\) is semi-regular if \(K_ 0(X^ *)\) is. In section 6 it is shown that \(K_ 0(C(K))\) is semi-regular if and only if the compact space K is scattered and that \(K_ 0(L^ 1(\mu))\) is semi-regular if and only if dim \(L^ 1(\mu)\) is finite. Finally, a list of open problems is presented.