A complete orthonormal system of divergence (Q5917559)

The main theorem reads as follows. There exists a complete orthonormal system (CONS) \(\{\Theta_n:n=1,2,\dots\}\) of bounded functions defined on the closed interval \([0,1]\) such that the orthogonal series \(\sum^\infty_{n=1} a_n\Theta_n\) diverges almost everywhere (a.e.) for every sequence of real numbers \(\{a_n\} \notin\ell^2\). \textit{A. A. Talaljan} [Russ. Math. Surv. 15, No. 5, 75--136 (1960); translation from Usp. Mat. Nauk 15, No. 5(95), 77--141 (1960; Zbl 0098.04203)] proved the following representation theorem: If \(\{f_n:n=1,2,\dots \}\) is a CONS of functions defined on \([0,1]\), then for every measurable function defined on \([0,1]\) there exists a sequence of real numbers \(\{a_n\}\) such that \(\sum^\infty_{n=1}a_nf_n=f\), where the series converges in measure. Analysing the proof it turns out that Talalyan's theorem remains valid if one discards any finite number of the functions from the system \(\{f_n\}\). Thus, it follows that for every CONS there exist nontrivial series \(\sum^\infty_{n=1} b_nf_n\) which converge to zero in measure. The author of the present paper draws the following surprising corollary of his main theorem: Every nontrivial orthogonal series with respect to the system \(\{\Theta_n\}\) which converges to zero in measure diverges a.e.