Some Remarks on Equivariant Elliptic Operators and Their Invariants

Abstract

In this expository article, we consider first order elliptic differential operators acting on smooth vector bundles over compact manifolds, and certain invariants derived from the analysis of these operators, namely the eta invariant} and the equivariant index. Many researchers have previously considered these invariants before. What makes this work different is that we are evaluating integer-valued indices corresponding to multiplicities of group representations, and our eta invariant is a number dependent on the entire group at once. Moreover, the techniques of proof and formulas obtained are new and depend on equivariant heat asymptotics that may involve logarithmic terms. For simplicity, we consider only elliptic differential operators, even though the proofs outlined apply to transversally elliptic operators. In every case, we outline the well-known proofs and theorems without Lie group actions first and then show how these same ideas can be applied in the equivariant cases with appropriate modifications. A more detailed and expanded article that applies to transversally elliptic operators will appear in due time.