arXiv2017
For each ordinal $ξ$ and each $1\leqslant q<\infty$, we define the notion of $ξ$-$q$-summable Szlenk index. When $ξ=0$ and $q=1$, this recovers the usual notion of summable Szlenk index. We define for an arbitrary weak$^*$-compact set a transfinite, asymptotic analogue $α_{ξ,p}$ of the martingale type norm of an operator. We prove that this quantity is determined by norming sets and determines $ξ$-Szlenk power type and $ξ$-$q$-summability of Szlenk index. This fact allows us to prove that the behavior of operators under the $α_{ξ,p}$ seminorms passes in the strongest way to injective tensor products of Banach spaces. Furthermore, we combine this fact with a result of Schlumprecht to prove that a separable Banach space with good behavior with respect to the $α_{ξ,p}$ seminorm can be embedded into a Banach space with a shrinking basis and the same behavior under $α_{ξ,p}$, and in particular it can be embedded into a Banach space with a shrinking basis and the same $ξ$-Szlenk power type. Finally, we completely elucidate the behavior of the $α_{ξ,p}$ seminorms under $\ell_r$ direct sums. This allows us to give an alternative proof of a result of Brooker regarding Szlenk indices of $\ell_p$ and $c_0$ direct sums of operators.