On amalgamated {B}anach algebras (Q682109)

Let \(A\) and \(B\) be Banach algebras, let \(\theta : A \to B\) be a homomorphism with \(\| \theta\| \leq 1\) and let \(I\) be a closed ideal of \(B\). Then the \(l^1\)-direct sum \(A \bowtie^\theta I\) of \(A\) and \(I\) equipped with the multiplication \((a,i)\cdot (a',i')=(aa', \theta(a)i'+i\theta(a')+ii')\) is a Banach algebra, which is called the amalgamation of \(A\) with \(B\) along with \(I\) with respect to \(\theta\). The authors compute the topological center of \(A \bowtie^\theta I\) in terms of those of \(A\) and \(I\). They then provide a characterization of the Arens regularity of \(A \bowtie^\theta I\). In addition, they determine the character space of \(A \bowtie^\theta I\) in terms of those of \(A\) and \(I\). A discussion of the weak amenability of \(A \bowtie^\theta I\) is given as well.