Commutative Banach algebras and decomposable operators (Q1207690)

Let \(A\) be a semi-simple commutative complex Banach algebra with or without identity. Using the suitable version of the Shilov idempotent theorem, it is shown that, for each \(a\in A\), the corresponding multiplication operator \(T_ a\) on \(A\) is decomposable in the sense of Foiaş if and only if the Gelfand transform \(\hat a\) is continuous in the hull-kernel topology of the maximal ideal space \(\Delta(A)\). For such multiplication operators, it is also shown that various weak and strong versions of decomposability all coincide. These results lead to various permanence properties of decomposable multiplication operators and imply that the algebra \(A\) is regular if and only if \(A\) has a system of decomposable generators. Several applications to Banach algebras and operator theory are given, mainly in the spirit of \textit{I. Colojoară} and \textit{C. Foiaş} [Theory of generalized spectral operators, New York (1968; Zbl 0189.442)]. There are also some applications to the spectral theory of convolution operators given by measures on locally compact abelian groups. The paper concludes with a new elementary proof of the existence of the greatest regular closed subalgebra of a commutative Banach algebra. In the semi-simple case, this subalgebra has previously been found by Albrecht using the theory of decomposable operators [cf. \textit{E. Albrecht}, Toeplitz centennial, Operator Theory, Adv. Appl. 4, 19-35 (1982; Zbl 0549.47018)].