Approximation numbers and Yamamoto's theorem in Banach algebras (Q807941)

Let a be a complex matrix with eigenvalues \(\lambda_ i(a)\) repeated according to multiplicity in decreasing order of modulus; the singular values of a are \(\sigma_ i(a)=\sqrt{\lambda_ i(a^*a)}\). \textit{T. Yamamoto} [J. Math. Soc. Japan 19, 175-178 (1967; Zbl 0152.014)] showed in 1967 that \(\lim_{n}\sigma_ i(a^ n)^{1/n}=| \lambda_ i(a)|.\) In 1988, the result was extended to Banach space operators by \textit{D. E. Edmunds} and \textit{W. D. Evans} [Spectral theory and differential oprators (1987; Zbl 0628.47017)]. For a in a Banach algebra, some reformulation is needed: an intrinsic definition is given of finite rank; the moduli of eigenvalues are replaced by the spectral point sequence defined from spectral points of finite multiplicity; singular values are replaced by approximation numbers, \(\inf \{\| a-y\|:\;y\in A,\quad rank y<j\}.\) Yamamoto's result generalizes to Banach algebras with a slight wrinkle. The authors study those algebras (possibly all) with a ``spectral radius property''. The paper concludes with a comparison of their definition of rank with others.