Addition formulae for non-abelian theta functions and applications. (Q1414661)

Let \(C\) be an irreducible smooth projective curve of genus \(g\geq 2\) over the field of complex numbers, and denote by \({\mathcal U}_C(r,d)\) the moduli space of semi-stable vector bundles on \(C\) of rank \(r\) and degree \(d\). Then there is the so-called generalized theta divisor in \({\mathcal U}(r,d)\) which gives rise to the various generalized (non-abelian) theta functions generalizing the classical theta functions on Jacobians. The paper under review establishes for non-abelian theta functions a number of formulae that are known to be valid for theta functions on Jacobians, including the Fay addition formula, the relation with the Szegö kernel, the solutions of the multicomponent KP hierarchy, and the behavior under cyclic coverings of the base curve. The careful analysis carried out in this paper generalizes some partial results obtained previously by other geometers and physicists, gives affirmative answers to some according general conjectures and appears to be very useful for further applications to physical models in conformal field theory, in particular. As for the relations to mathematical physics, the reader is referred to the related works of \textit{K. Raina} [Commun. Math. Phys. 122, No. 4, 625--641 (1989; Zbl 0682.14022)] and \textit{M. Schork} [J. Math. Phys. 41, No. 4, 2443--2459 (2000; Zbl 0974.32012)].