On the finite and non-finite generation of finitary power semigroups. (Q2491203)

The finitary power semigroup \(P_f(S)\) of a semigroup \(S\) is the set of all finite subsets of \(S\) with the usual multiplication of sets. The paper studies the problem of when \(P_f(S)\) is finitely generated. In the main result, a (technical) necessary and sufficient condition for this is obtained. Moreover, connections with the theory of acts are established. Using these ingredients it is shown that \(P_f(S)\) is not finitely generated in the following cases: any inverse semigroup that contains an infinite subgroup; any infinite commutative semigroup, any infinite completely \(0\)-simple semigroup; any infinite completely regular semigroup, and others. An example of an infinite semigroup \(S\) with finitely generated finitary power semigroup is the semigroup of all recursive (partial) functions on the set of positive integers.