The eta invariant and the Gromov-Lawson conjecture for elementary Abelian groups of odd order (Q1373166)

Let \(M\) be a compact connected spin manifold of dimension \(m\), \(m\geq 5\). According to the Gromov-Lawson conjecture we expect that \(M\) admits a metric of positive scalar curvature if and only if the generalized index \(\alpha(M)\) of the Dirac operator on the manifold \(M\) is zero [see \textit{M. Gromov} and \textit{H. B. Lawson jun.}, Ann. Math., II. Ser. 111, 423-434 (1980; Zbl 0463.53025)]. Because of the Lichnerowics formula, the existence of a metric of positive scalar curvature implies that \(M\) has no harmonic spinors and hence the \(\widehat{A}\)-roof genus vanishes. \textit{S. Stolz} [Ann. Math., II. Ser. 136, 511-540 (1992; Zbl 0784.53029)] has proved that if \(\widehat{A}=0\) then \(M\) admits a metric of positive scalar curvature. The main result of the paper is that the same conclusion holds if the fundamental group of \(M\) is an Abelian \(p\) group of rank \(k\), where \(p\) is an odd prime and \(k=2\) and \(m\) is arbitrary or \(k=3\) and \(m\) is odd. In the proof, the eta invariant and the equivariant spin bordism theory are used. The following generalization of the main result is also established: the Gromov-Lawson conjecture holds in this setting if \(\pi_1(M)=(C_{p^l})^k\) and \(p\) is sufficently large.