On free spectra of finite monoids from the pseudovariety \(\mathsf{DA}\). (Q1935469)

The free spectrum of a finite algebra is the sequence of cardinalities of the free members of rank \(n\), \(n=1,2,\dots\), in the variety that it generates. Such an algebra has a doubly exponential free spectrum if its values are as `large as possible', that is, there is a positive real number such that, for all sufficiently large \(n\), the free algebra of rank \(n\) over \(A\) has cardinality at least \(2^{2^{cn}}\). Otherwise, it is sub-log-exponential. \textit{S. Seif} [J. Pure Appl. Algebra 212, No. 5, 1162-1174 (2008; Zbl 1138.20049)] conjectured that a finite monoid is sub-log-exponential if and only if its subgroups are nilpotent and its idempotents generate a submonoid that belongs to the pseudovariety \(\mathcal{DA}\), comprising the finite semigroups all of whose regular \(\mathcal D\)-classes are rectangular bands. Considerable evidence points to the validity of this conjecture. In this paper, the author adds to the evidence by using work of Straubing and Thérien and others to show that any finite monoid of \(\mathcal{DA}\) itself has sub-log-exponential -- in fact, log-polynomial -- free spectrum.