Zeta values and differential operators on the circle (Q1922473)

The author extends the Fock representation of the Virasoro Lie algebra to a larger graded Lie subalgebra of the algebra of differential operators on the circle. The starting point is simple. Removing the normal ordering in the definition of the bracket structure of the Virasoro algebra leads, as is well known, to a divergent term of the form \(1+2+3+\cdots\). By reinterpreting this term as being equal to the value of the Riemann zeta-function at \(-1\), one is led to a natural modification of the basis of the algebra. And with respect to the new basis the central term of the algebra structure simplifies to a monomial. Going further in this direction, it is explained in the paper how the values of the zeta-function at other negative integers and of Dirichlet \(L\)-series for even characters also arise in the central cocycle for certain projective representations of the Virasoro algebra on the Fock space. It turns out that, while the central cocycle is related to values of the Riemann zeta-function at odd negative integers, the corresponding generating function is related to Eisenstein series for \(\text{SL}_2(\mathbb{Z})\). Analogous results are obtained for values of \(L\)-series associated to even Dirichlet characters, using differential operators of infinite order. The author stresses the point that, in parallel to the fact that the role of \(\zeta(-1)=-1/12\) in the central term of the Virasoro representation is related to the 26 dimensions of spacetime in string theory, the paper could be viewed as an (initial) attempt to construct other universes, of different dimensions. To a physicist, conscious of the extreme difficulties involved in the construction of consistent string theories, this statement looks certainly rather rudimentary and a bit presumptuous.