Search arXivSearch

arXiv · 2511.04314

There is no universal separable Banach algebra

Abstract

We prove that no separable Banach algebra is universal for homomorphic embeddings of all separable Banach algebras, whether embeddings are merely bounded or required to be contractive. The same holds in the commutative category. The proof is short and direct. For each closed subspace $X$ of $c_0$ we build a separable commutative Banach algebra $A_X$ whose multiplication records the canonical pairing between $X^*$ and $X$. Any injective homomorphism of $A_X$ into a Banach algebra $B$ forces the identity operator on $X^*$ to factor through $B$. Thus a universal separable Banach algebra would be complementably universal for the family of duals of subspaces of $c_0$, contrary to a theorem of Johnson and Szankowski.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Tomasz Kania. 2026-08-20. There is no universal separable Banach algebra. https://arxiv.org/abs/2511.04314

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

Conditional expectation operators on $C(X)$

At the COSAEF conference in 2021, several participants asked the question whether a conditional expectation operator in the sense of Kuo, Labaushagne and Watson could be constructed in vector lattices other than $\mathcal{L}_p$ spaces and in particular in $C(X)$. This work answers positively to this question and participates in an old discussion on integrals in $C(X)$ space.

math.FA

Fixed Point Rigidity of the Operator $Γ_pΠ_p^\ast$ and the LYZ Conjecture

We characterize the fixed points of the operator $Γ_pΠ_p^\ast$ for $n\geq 3$ and $1 0$ if and only if $K$ is an origin-centered ellipsoid, thereby settling the Lutwak--Yang--Zhang fixed-point conjecture in this range. Our proof is based on a variational analysis along linear reflection shadow systems. To address the nonlinear structure of the $L_p$ setting, we introduce the $L_p$-Projection Rolodex, which provides a dimensional reduction of the volume of the polar $L_p$-projection body to weighted lower-dimensional sectional functionals. A suitable change of variables, together with Ball's harmonic Prékopa--Leindler inequality, yields the convexity needed along the shadow system. Under the fixed-point condition, a first-variation identity then forces $\operatorname{vol}_n(Π_p^\ast K_t)$ to remain constant throughout the deformation. The rigidity statement follows from the equality characterization under Steiner symmetrization.

math.FA

Logarithmic oscillatory multipliers and log-subdyadic square functions

We develop square-function estimates for Fourier multipliers whose local oscillation scale is \[ ρ(R)=\frac{R}{(\log R)^{γ-1}}, \qquad γ>1. \] This scale lies strictly between the dyadic scale and every fixed power-subdyadic scale at high frequency. For high-frequency symbols satisfying a localized Sobolev condition on balls of radius comparable to $ρ(R)$, we prove a pointwise square-function estimate and a weighted $L^2$ multiplier inequality. After adjoining a smooth compactly supported low-frequency part, we derive unweighted $L^p$ bounds. The weighted estimate is governed by a logarithmic geometric maximal operator which is strongly bounded above the critical $L^r$ threshold, satisfies weak type at the critical equality, and fails even weak type below it. As a model application, consider \[ L(ξ)=\frac12\log(e^2+|ξ|^2), \qquad m_{γ,β}(ξ)=L(ξ)^{-β}e^{iL(ξ)^γ}. \] For $p=2$, the associated multiplier is bounded on $L^2$ for every $β\geq0$. For $1 d(γ-1)\left|\frac12-\frac1p\right|. \] At the critical equality we obtain the corresponding Lorentz endpoint estimates.

math.FA