Free generators in free inverse semigroups

Abstract

Using the characterization of the free inverse semigroup F on a set X, given by Scheiblich, a necessary and sufficient condition is found for a subset K of an inverse semigroup S to be a set of free generators for the inverse sub semigroup of S generated by K. It is then shown that any non-idempotent element of F generates the free inverse semigroup on one generator and that if |X| > 2 then F contains the free inverse semigroup on a countable number of generators. In addition, it is shown that if |X| = 1 then F does not contain the free inverse semigroup on two generators.