\(E\)-inversive Dubreil-Jacotin semigroups. (Q2391159)

A semigroup \(S\) with non-empty set \(E\) of idempotents is said to be \(E\)-inversive if for every \(x\in S\) there exists \(y\in S\) such that \(xy\in E\). This concept was introduced by \textit{G. Thierrin} [Acad. R. Belg., Bull. Cl. Sci., V. Sér. 41, 83-92 (1955; Zbl 0064.02003)]. The class of \(E\)-inversive semigroups is wide and contains many different types, for example all regular, all eventually regular (hence all finite) semigroups, and all Rees matrix semigroups over a group with zero. Here the authors are concerned with those \(E\)-inversive semigroups that are equipped with a compatible order, called `ordered \(E\)-inversive semigroups'. An ordered semigroup \(S\) is a `Dubreil-Jacotin semigroup' if and only if there is an ordered group \(G\) and an isotone epimorphism \(f\colon S\to G\) that is principal, in the sense that the pre-image of the negative cone of \(G\) is a principal down-set of \(S\) [\textit{T. S. Blyth}, Lattices and ordered algebraic structures. Universitext. London: Springer (2005; Zbl 1073.06001)]. Using group congruences, the authors obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for an ordered \(E\)-inversive semigroup to be a Dubreil-Jacotin semigroup. The authors also determine when such a semigroup is naturally ordered. In particular, when the subset of regular elements is a subsemigroup it contains a multiplicative inverse transversal.