On the connection between sets of operator synthesis and sets of spectral synthesis for locally compact groups (Q820076)

Let \(G\) be a locally compact, \(\sigma\)-compact, separable group. A set of spectral synthesis is a closed subset of \(G\) defined in terms of the Fourier algebra, \(A(G)\). A set of operator synthesis is a closed subset of \(G\times G\) defined in terms of the projective tensor product of \(L^2(G)\) with itself. For second countable locally compact groups, the present authors prove that (for \(A(G)\) having an approximate identity) a closed subset \(E\) of \(G\) is a set of spectral synthesis for \(A(G)\) if and only if the diagonal set \(E^* = \{(s,t)\) in \(G\times G\mid st^{-1}\in E\}\) is a set of operator synthesis. This generalizes results of \textit{W. Arveson} [Ann. Math. (2) 100, 433--532 (1974; Zbl 0334.46070)] and \textit{J. Froelich} [J. Funct. Anal. 81, No.~1, 1--37 (1988; Zbl 0681.47019)]. A new proof is provided that single-points and closed subgroups of second countable groups are sets of local spectral synthesis. Operator-Ditkin sets have been defined in [\textit{V. Shulman} and \textit{L. Turowska}, J. Funct. Anal. 209 (2), 293--331 (2004; Zbl 1071.47066)]. For \(G\) second countable the authors prove that if the diagonal set \(E^*\) is a strong operator-Ditkin set, then \(E\) is a local Ditkin set for \(A(G)\) and conversely, for any strong Ditkin set \(E\), the set \(E^*\) is operator-Ditkin.