On the geometric characterization of the extension property (Q2469069)

For a compact set \(K \subset \mathbb{R}^n\), \(\mathcal{E}(K)\) denotes the space of Whitney jets on \(K\), which is the space of all restrictions of \(C^{\infty}\) functions on \(\mathbb{R}^n\). The compact set \(K\) is said to satisfy the extension property if there is a continuous linear extension operator from \(\mathcal{E}(K)\), endowed with its canonical Fréchet locally convex topology, into \(C^{\infty}(\mathbb{R}^n)\). Mityagin asked in 1961 the problem of finding a geometric characterization of the extension property. Several authors, like Bierstone, Carleson, Pawlucky, Stein, Tidten and the author, among others, have obtained many important partial results. This paper considers compact sets of Cantor type in the real line and presents, for these sets, a complete geometric characterization. Using results of Totik, the condition is formulated in terms of potential theory.