\(C(X)\) as a lattice: a generalized problem of Birkhoff and Kaplansky (Q536042)

Birkhoff and Kaplansky posed in 1948, independently, the problem of characterizing the lattice \(C(K)\) for a compact Hausdorff space \(K\). Although this problem was solved by Heider in 1956 and a year later by Pinsker, a purely lattice-theoretic characterization was given by Anderson-Blair in 1961. These solutions cannot be considered intrinsic in character. In this paper, the authors give an internal characterization of \(C(X)\) for a completely regular Hausdorff space \(X\), as a lattice. The main theorem of the paper is as follows. Theorem. A real lattice \(L\) is isomorphic to \(C(X)\) for some completely regular space \(X\) if and only if {\parindent6.5mm \begin{itemize}\item[(1)] \(L\) is semi-prime. \item[(2)] \(L\) is a \(C^*\)-lattice. \item[(3)] \(L\) is separating. \item[(4)] \(L\) is 2-complete. \item[(5)] \(L\) is linked. \end{itemize}} The authors then give examples to show that one cannot remove any of the conditions in the theorem.