On two subsets of a Banach algebra that are related to the continuity of spectrum and spectral radius (Q1088127)

This paper deals with the algebraic and topological properties of a subset \(\pi_ L\) of a Banach algebra L, invariant for elemens having the same spectrum, at whose points the spectral radius function is continuous. It also deals with a smaller subset \(\tau_ L\), with the same property of invariance, at whose points the spectrum function is continuous with respect to the Hausdorff distance. In a paper by \textit{G. J. Murphy} [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 82, 619-621 (1981; Zbl 0474.46038)] the families of compact nonempty subsets K of \({\mathbb{C}}\) such that, for every Banach algebra A and every \(x\in A\) with spectrum equal to K, the spectral radius and spectrum functions are continuous at x are characterized. In our paper we introduce the sets \(\pi_ L\) and \(\tau_ L\) and show that they coincide with the sets of all elements of L whose spectra belong to the two classes introduced by Murphy. We also give equivalent conditions, sufficient conditions and necessary conditions for membership in such sets. In addition, we prove that \(\tau_ L\), generally speaking, is not closed with respect to the product of the algebra L, but it is closed with respect to holomorphic functions, whereas \(\pi_ L\), generally speaking, is not closed with respect to powers, either. Finally, we study some algebraic and topological properties which \(\pi_ L\) and \(\tau_ L\) have in common. In particular, we prove that both are \(G_{\delta}\)-sets.