Finite dimensional approximation of Riemannian path space geometry

Abstract

In this paper, we construct a finite dimensional approximation for the geometry on the path space over a compact Riemannian manifold. This approximation allows to construct the horizontal lift of the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process on the path space through the Markovian connection. We also prove a representation formula for the heat semigroup on (adapted) vector fields as well as a commutation formula for its derivative.