Maslov-type index theory for symplectic paths and spectral flow. II (Q1976600)

The authors introduce a Maslov index theory for symplectic paths. Like the theory of \textit{Y. Long} [Pac. J. Math. 187, 113-149 (1999; Zbl 0924.58024)], this theory is parametrized by complex numbers of modulus one. These parametrized theories can be used to prove a Bott interation formula and to define a notion of mean index. The present theory extends the Maslov index discussed by \textit{S. E. Cappell, R. Lee} and \textit{E. Y. Miller} [Commun. Pure Appl. Math. 47, 121-186 (1994; Zbl 0805.58022)]. [For part I see \textit{C. Zhu} and \textit{Y. Long}, ibid. 20, No. 4, 413-424 (1999; see the paper above)].