Determinants, finite-difference operators and boundary value problems (Q1200073)

The author studies the zeta-function determinant of a positive elliptic differential operator acting on sections of a vector bundle over a compact manifold. Following \textit{D. B. Ray} and \textit{I. M. Singer} [ Adv. Math. 7, 145-210 (1971; Zbl 0239.58014)], \(\log\det L\) is defined by analytically continuing the function \(\sum_{\lambda_ i\in Spec(L)} \lambda_ i^{-s} \log \lambda_ i\) from \(Re(s)\) large to \(s=0\), In a previous paper [Invent. Math. 88, 447-493 (1987; Zbl 0602.58044)], the author related this determinant, the determinant of an operator acting on an infinite dimensional space of functions, to the determinant of a finite dimensional matrix whose entries are constructed from boundary values of the solutions of the operator. Previous proofs of this result follow indirect approaches. This paper presents a new and simpler proof using a result concerning matrices of \(SU(n,\mathbb{C})\). Some applications are given: Laplacians on graphs, with relation to electrical network theory, and boundary value problems for finite difference operators defined on an interval.