Embedding finite semigroups in finite semibands of minimal depth (Q789528)

A semigroup S is said to be a semiband if it is generated by its set of idempotents, and is said to be a k-semiband (or to have depth k) if k is the least positive integer such that every element of S is a product of at most k idempotents. It is shown that for \(n\geq 2\), every group (regular semigroup) of order n can be embedded in a 2-semiband of order \(2n^ 2 ((n+1)^ 3)\) but no group of order n can be embedded in a 2- semiband of order less than \(n(1+\sqrt{n-1})^ 2.\)