The structure of End($\mathcal{T}_n$)

Abstract

The full transformation semigroups $\mathcal{T}_n$, where $n\in \mathbb{N}$, consisting of all maps from a set of cardinality $n$ to itself, are arguably the most important family of finite semigroups. This article investigates the endomorphism monoid End($\mathcal{T}_n$) of $\mathcal{T}_n$. The determination of the elements of End($\mathcal{T}_n$) is due Schein and Teclezghi. Surprisingly, the algebraic structure of End($\mathcal{T}_n$) has not been further explored. We describe Green's relations and extended Green's relations on End($\mathcal{T}_n$), and the generalised regularity properties of these monoids. In particular, we prove that $\mathcal{H}=\mathcal{L} \subseteq \mathcal{R}= \mathcal{D}=\mathcal{J}$ (with equality if and only if $n=1$); the idempotents of End($\mathcal{T}_n$) form a band (which is equal to End($\mathcal{T}_n$) if and only if $n=1$) and also the regular elements of End($\mathcal{T}_n$) form a subsemigroup (which is equal to End($\mathcal{T}_n$) if and only if $n\leq 2$). Further, the regular elements of End($\mathcal{T}_n$) are precisely the idempotents together with all endomorphisms of rank greater than $3$. We also provide a presentation for End($\mathcal{T}_n$) with respect to a minimal generating set.