Key features: (1) Develops q-theory, a new theory that provides a unifying approach to finite semigroup theory via quantization; (2) Contains the only contemporary exposition of the complete theory of the complexity of finite semigroups; (3) Introduces spectral theory into finite semigroup theory; (4) Develops the theory of profinite semigroups from first principles, making connections with spectra of Boolean algebras of regular languages; (5) Presents over 70 research problems, most new, and hundreds of exercises.
Additional features: (1) For newcomers, an appendix on elementary finite semigroup theory; (2) Extensive bibliography and index.
The q-theory of Finite Semigroups presents important techniques and results, many for the first time in book form, and thereby updates and modernizes the literature of semigroup theory.