On $\Delta$-spaces

Abstract

$\Delta$-spaces have been defined by a natural generalization of a classical notion of $\Delta$-sets of reals to Tychonoff topological spaces; moreover, the class $\Delta$ of all $\Delta$-spaces consists precisely of those $X$ for which the locally convex space $C_p(X)$ is distinguished. The aim of this article is to better understand the boundaries of the class $\Delta$, by presenting new examples and counter-examples. 1) We examine when trees considered as topological spaces equipped with the interval topology belong to $\Delta$. In particular, we prove that no Souslin tree is a $\Delta$-space. Other main results are connected with the study of 2) $\Psi$-spaces built on maximal almost disjoint families of countable sets; and 3) Ladder system spaces. It is consistent with CH that all ladder system spaces on $\omega_1$ are in $\Delta$. We show that in forcing extension of ZFC obtained by adding one Cohen real, there is a ladder system space on $\omega_1$ which is not in $\Delta$. We resolve several open problems posed in the literature.