6
$\begingroup$

A function $f:X\to Y$ between topological spaces is called

$\bullet$ $\sigma$-continuous if there exists a countable cover $\mathcal C$ of $X$ such that for every $C\in\mathcal C$ the restriction $f{\restriction}_C$ is continuous;

$\bullet$ a $\sigma$-homeomorphism if $f$ is bijective and the maps $f$ and $f^{-1}$ are $\sigma$-continuous.

Two topological spaces $X,Y$ are called $\sigma$-homeomorphic if there exists a $\sigma$-homeomorphism $h:X\to Y$.

By Theorem $\Delta^0_3$ from this MO-post, any two countable-dimensional uncountable Polish spaces are $\sigma$-homeomorphic. We recall that a topological space is countable-dimensional if it is the countable union of zero-dimensional spaces.

By a famous result of Pol, there exists a totally disconnected Polish space $P$ which is not countable-dimensional. Since the countable-dimensionality is preserved by $\sigma$-homeomorphisms, Pol's space $P$ is not $\sigma$-homeomorphic to the Cantor cube $2^\omega$. By the same reason, the Hilbert cube $[0,1]^\omega$ is not $\sigma$-homeomorphic to the Cantor cube. Since $[0,1]^\omega$ is not a countable union of totally disconnected spaces, the Hilbert cube $[0,1]^\omega$ is not $\sigma$-homeomorphic to Pol's space $P$.

Therefore, we have three spaces: $2^\omega$, $[0,1]^\omega$, $P$ which are not pairwise $\sigma$-homeomorphic.

Problem. Are there infinitely (countably, continuum) many uncountable Polish spaces which are not pairwise $\sigma$-homeomorphic?

Remark. Repeating the argument of the proof of Theorem $\Delta^0_n$ in this MO-post, it is possible to show that two Polish space $X,Y$ are $\sigma$-homeomorphic if and only if there exist countable partitions $\{X_n\}_{n\in\omega}$ and $\{Y_n\}_{n\in\omega}$ of the spaces $X,Y$ such that $X_n$ and $Y_n$ are homeomorphic Polish spaces for every $n\in\omega$. This characterization should imply that the maximal number of pairwise non-$\sigma$-homeomorphic Polish spaces belongs to the set $\omega\cup\{\omega,\aleph_1,\mathfrak c\}$.

$\endgroup$
3
  • $\begingroup$ @Anonymous Any countable-dimensional uncountable spaces are $\sigma$-homeomorphic, is particular $[0,1]^n$ and $[0,1]^m$ are $\sigma$-homeomorphic. $\endgroup$ Jul 23, 2022 at 12:44
  • $\begingroup$ Oh, right. In order to avoid trivialities (like finite spaces of different cardinalities) you probably are interested in spaces of cardinality $\frak c$. $\endgroup$
    – Anonymous
    Jul 23, 2022 at 13:07
  • $\begingroup$ @Anonymous Thank you for this comment. Indeed, I am interested in uncountable Polish spaces. $\endgroup$ Jul 23, 2022 at 13:28

1 Answer 1

3
$\begingroup$

There are indeed continuum many. See:

Kihara, T., & Pauly, A. (2022). Point Degree Spectra of Represented Spaces. Forum of Mathematics, Sigma, 10, E31. doi:10.1017/fms.2022.7

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.