Partial regularity and \(t\)-analytic sets for Banach function algebras (Q431286)

Let \(A\) be a Banach function algebra with maximal ideal space \(M(A)\). The authors define \(t\)-analytic sets for \(A\) as subsets \(E\subset M(A)\) such that \(f\equiv 0\) on \(E\) whenever \(f\equiv 0\) on \(U\) for every \(f\in A\) and each nonvoid relatively open subset \(U\subset E\). Unions of non-disjoint \(t\)-analytic sets are not necessarily \(t\)-analytic. However, as shown, connected open unions of \(t\)-analytic open sets are always \(t\)-analytic. It is proven that \(t\)-analytic sets are contained in maximal \(t\)-analytic sets and the maximal \(t\)-analytic sets are closed. One of the main results of the paper is that each nonvoid \(t\)-analytic set \(E\) induces a closed prime ideal in \(A\), namely \(I_A(E)=\{f\in A: f\equiv 0\) on \(E\}\). As a corollary, it is shown that all hull-kernel closed \(t\)-analytic sets are connected. A complete characterization of the closed \(t\)-analytic sets for the disk-algebra is given. In particular, every connected closed set in the closed disk is \(t\)-analytic and the only hull-kernel closed \(t\)-analytic sets are the empty set, singletons and the closed disk. The general structure of \(t\)-analytic sets in Douglas algebras is studied and maximal \(t\)-analytic sets containing certain points in \(M(H^\infty+C)\) are determined explicitly. It is shown that the Shilov boundary is the largest set on which a Douglas algebra is pointwise regular and that no nonvoid, open \(t\)-analytic sets exist in \(M(H^\infty+C)\). The connection between \(t\)-analytic sets, Gleason parts, the hulls of closed prime ideals and Alling's conjecture are discussed as well. The present paper refines and corrects some of the results presented in [\textit{A. Daoui, H. Mahzouli} and \textit{E. H. Zerouali}, Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 131, No. 10, 3211--3220 (2003; Zbl 1052.47028)].