Un opérateur sans sous-espace invariant: Simplification de l'exemple de P. Enflo (Q1061997)

Most decomposition theories for linear operators require the existence of invariant subspaces before one can begin. This existence problem has attracted much attention during the past several decades with little success until recently. In [Ann. Math. 117, 669-694 (1983; Zbl 0553.47002)] \textit{A. Atzmon} exhibited a continuous operator on a nuclear Fréchet space with no proper (closed) invariant subspace. In [Bull. London Math. Soc. 16, 337- 401 (1984)] \textit{C. J. Read} constructed an example of a bounded linear operator on a nonreflexive Banach space with no proper (closed) invariant subspace. Almost a decade ago P. Enflo had claimed that he had constructed such an example but his proof was extremely complex and is yet to be published. In this note the author, using the ideas and techniques of P. Enflo, provides another example of a bounded linear operator on a Banach space without a proper (closed) invariant subspace. The argument is complicated and combinatorial in nature. The existence problem for the case of Hilbert spaces remains, however, unresolved.