On analytic disks in the spectrum of a uniform algebra (Q1823432)

Let A be a uniform algebra. Denote by \(M_ A\) and \(\partial_ A\) the spectrum and the Shilov boundary of A respectively. The author proves the following theorem: There is a compact subset \(M^*_ A\) of \(M_ A\) such that \(M^*_ A\) has no relatively open subsets which are analytic disks, while \(M_ A\setminus M^*_ A\) is a union of analytic disks. If \(A^*\) is the holomorphic completion of A on \(M^*_ A\), then the spectrum \(M_{A^*}\) of \(A^*\) coincides with \(M^*_ A\) and the Shilov boundary \(\partial_{A^*}\) of \(A^*\) coincides with \(\partial_ A\). The set \(M^*_ A\) is defined by transfinite induction and the theorem above is proved by using M. Hayashi's pole functions [J. Math. Soc. Japan 39, 337-344 (1987; Zbl 0598.30070)] considered in arbitrary uniform algebras. As applications, the author obtains the following: (1) Let U be an open subset of \(M_ A\setminus \partial_ A\), and suppose that there is \(f\in A\) which is isolated-to-one on U. Then \(U\subset M_ A\setminus M^*_ A\), and in particular U is a union of analytic disks. (2) Let U be an open subset of \(M_ A\setminus \partial_ A\) and \(f\in A\). Suppose that each \(p\in U\) has a neighborhood N such that \(f^{- 1}(\lambda)\cap N\) is at most countable for any \(\lambda\in f(N)\). Then \(U\subset M_ A\setminus M^*_ A\), and in particular U is a union of analytic disks. These are extensions of a theorem of \textit{H. S. Bear} and \textit{G. N. Hile} [Houston J. Math. 5, 21-28 (1979; Zbl 0393.46040)] and of \textit{R. F. Basener} [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 36, 156-160 (1972; Zbl 0257.46061)] respectively.