Groups whose Fourier algebra and Rajchman algebra coincide (Q2014105)

Let \(G\) be a locally compact group, \(A(G)\) be the Fourier algebra of \(G\), and let \(B(G)\) be the Fourier-Stieltjes algebra of \(G\). The Rajchman algebra \(B_0(G)\) is simply defined as the intersection of \(B(G)\) and \(C_0(G)\), the algebra of continuous functions on \(G\) vanishing at infinity. The Fourier and Fourier-Stieltjes algebras play an essential role in abstract harmonic analysis, on which an extensive study has been established. Much less is known about the Rajchman algebra at least when \(G\) is nonabelian. Recently, \textit{E. Kaniuth} et al. [Bull. Sci. Math. 140, No. 3, 273--302 (2016; Zbl 1337.43002)] studied \(B_0(G)\) under various aspects. They investigated the regularity and the existence of various kinds of approximate identities, the question of when the quotient of \(B_0(G)\) modulo the \(A(G)\) is radical, the Bochner-Schoenberg-Eberlein property and a characterization of the elements in \(A(G)\) in terms of continuity of translation properties. Also, \textit{M. Ghandehari} [Indiana Univ. Math. J. 61, No. 3, 1369--1392 (2012; Zbl 1277.43002)] investigated the amenability of \(B_0(G)\) on locally compact groups. She proved that the amenability of \(B_0(G)\) is equivalent to the group being compact and almost abelian. There are some classes of locally compact groups for which the Rajchman algebra coincides with the Fourier algebra; however, in general, \(B_0(G)\) is considerably larger than \(A(G)\). The purpose of the paper under review is to study when the inclusion \(A(G)\subseteq B_0(G)\) can or cannot be an equality: \(A(G) = B_0(G)\). There are many examples of groups for which this equality is false. For example, \textit{E. Hewitt} and \textit{H. S. Zuckerman} [Proc. Camb. Philos. Soc. 62, 399--420 (1967; Zbl 0148.38101)] showed that for non-compact abelian groups \(G\), \(A(G) \neq B_0(G)\); later on, \textit{K. F. Taylor} [Math. Ann. 262, 183--190 (1983; Zbl 0488.43009)] showed the inequality for non-compact, second countable \(IN\)-groups. Also several examples of non-compact groups appeared recently in [Math. Scand., 120, 272--290 (2017; Zbl 1375.43006)] where the equality \(A(G) = B_0(G)\) holds. In the paper under review, the author shows that there are many such groups. More precisely, he proves that there exist uncountably many non-isomorphic second countable locally compact groups \(G\) such that \(A(G) = B_0(G)\) and \(G\) has no compact subgroups. The author also prepares several structural results on groups whose Fourier and Rajchman algebras coincide as well as new criteria for establishing this property. In the following, he investigates the relation between groups with completely reducible regular representation and groups whose Fourier and Rajchman algebras coincide. By an example he shows that for unimodular groups with completely reducible regular representation, the Fourier algebra may in general be strictly smaller than the Rajchman algebra.