Linear maps preserving regularity in \(C^*\)-algebras (Q610630)

The authors investigate linear maps between \(C^*\)-algebras which preserve the conorm, or the generalized invertibility, or the generalized spectrum of elements. Among others, they present the following results. Let one of the algebras \(A,B\) be a \(C^*\)-algebra with real rank zero and the other one be a semi-simple Banach algebra. A unital surjective linear map \(\varphi:A\to B\) preserves the reduced minimum modulus (conorm) of elements if and only if it is an isometric Jordan isomorphism. Let \(A,B\) be \(C^*\)-algebras such that one of them is of real rank zero. A unital surjective linear map \(\varphi:A\to B\) preserves the generalized spectrum if and only if it is a continuous Jordan isomorphism. Let \(A,B\) be prime \(C^*\)-algebras with zero socle such that one of them has real rank zero. Then every linear map \(\varphi: A\to B\) which is surjective up to finite rank elements and preserves generalized invertibility in both directions factorizes as a Jordan homomorphism through the generalized Calkin algebras \({\mathcal C}(A), {\mathcal C}(B)\). Essential versions of those results are presented in the last section of the paper.