\(L^2\)-index formula for proper cocompact group actions (Q744413)

The author generalizes results of \textit{M. F. Atiyah} [Astérisque 32-33, 43-72 (1976; Zbl 0323.58015)] and \textit{A. Connes} and \textit{H. Moscovici} [Ann. Math. (2) 115, 291--330 (1982; Zbl 0515.58031)] by proving an \(L^{2}\)-index theorem for elliptic pseudodifferential operators invariant under a proper cocompact action of a unimodular locally compact group. The proof relies on applying heat kernel methods to an invariant operator of Dirac type in order to evaluate a type II trace. The \(L^{2}\)-index map factors through equivariant \(K\)-homology, where results of G. Kasparov show that the operator's class can be represented by an operator of Dirac type.