In set theory, a supercompact cardinal is a type of large cardinal. They display a variety of reflection properties. Formal definition If λ is any ordinal, κ is λ-supercompact means that there exists an elementary embedding j from the universe V into a transitive inner model M with critical point κ, j(κ)>λ and That is, M contains all of its λ-sequences. Then κ is supercompact means that it is λ-supercompact for all ordinals λ. Alternatively, an uncountable cardinal κ is supercompact if for every A such that |A| ≥ κ there exists a normal measure over [A]< κ, in the following sense. [A]< κ is defined as follows: An ultrafilter U over [A]< κ is fine if it is κ-complete and , for every . A normal measure over [A]< κ is a fine ultrafilter U over [A]< κ with the additional property that every function such that is constant on a set in . Here "constant on a set in U" means that there is such that . Properties Supercompact cardinals have reflection properties. If a cardinal with some property (say a 3-huge cardinal) that is witnessed by a structure of limited rank exists above a supercompact cardinal κ, then a cardinal with that property exists below κ. For example, if κ is supercompact and the generalized continuum hypothesis (GCH) holds below κ then it holds everywhere because a bijection between the powerset of ν and a cardinal at least ν++ would be a witness of limited rank for the failure of GCH at ν so it would also have to exist below κ. Finding a canonical inner model for supercompact cardinals is one of the major problems of inner model theory. See also Indestructibility Strongly compact cardinal List of large cardinal properties References Large cardinals