[Math] Nonstandard Reals in the Complex Plane

set-theory

[Edited so as to reflect answers and comments given so far]

Let $F$ be a real closed field. Then by Artin-Schreier theory, $F[i]$ is algebraically closed. If $F$ is further assumed to have cardinality at most continnum, then by a classical theorem of Steinitz [stating the isomorphism of any two uncountable algebraically closed fields of the same cardinality and characteristic], we can conclude that $F[i]$ is isomorphic to a subfield of $\Bbb{C}$ of complex numbers.

In particular, if $F$ is a non-archimedean real closed field of cardinality continuum, then $F[i]$ is isomorphic to $\Bbb{C}$ [The proof uses the axiom of choice in a serious way, by the way].

We can therefore conclude:

Theorem. Every nonarchimedean real closed field of power at most continuum is isomorphic to a subfield of $\Bbb{C}$.

As a special case, we may conclude that there is a subfield $F$ of $\Bbb{C}$ such that $F$ is a non-archimdean real closed field that, furthermore, has a subfield isomorphic to the field $\Bbb{R}$ of real numbers.

The above considerations allow me to state my questions.

Questions.

(a) [UNANSWERED] Is there an uncountable Borel non-Archimedean real closed field $F$ of $\Bbb{C}$?

NOTE: In his comment below Dave Marker asks whether this question has a negative answer if we further assume that $F[i]=\Bbb{C}$, then Gerald Edgar pointed out in his comment that this is indeed the case; based on a result that appears in a joint paper of his with Chris Miller.

(b) [ANSWERED] Is it possible for an uncountable such $F$ to be at least Lebesgue measurable ?*

NOTE. (b) has been answered. First Martin Goldstern pointed out that (b) follows from $MA + \lnot CH$; and that (b) is also true in any universe of set theory obtained by adding a Cohen real. Then Gerald Edgar pointed out that (b) is provable outright in $ZFC$ [see the answers below].

(c) [UNANSWERED] If the answer to (a) is positive, does the answer change if we insist for $F$ to have a subfield isomorphic to $\Bbb{R}$.

Best Answer

A partial answer to (b): Consistently, yes. Löwenheim-Skolem implies that there are non-Archimedean real closed fields of cardinality $\aleph_1$, and it is consistent that all sets of size $\aleph_1$ are of measure zero. (For example, this follows from MA plus non-CH.)

Alternatively: Take any model $V$ of set theory, let $K\in V$ be an uncountable non-Archimedean real closed field, and add a Cohen real $c$ to $V$. In $V[c]$, the set of old reals has now measure zero, and $K$ is still a non-Archimedean real closed field.

I have a feeling that an absoluteness argument should now help to get the existence of $K$ in $V$, but I cannot get it to work. I do not even know if I can get a definable (say: analytic) $K$ in $V[c]$ (though it seems to me that I can get a $K$ containing a perfect set).

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