\(\eta\)-invariant and flat vector bundles (Q2431980)

Atiyah-Patodi-Singer have shown how to define the reduced \(\eta\)-invariant in the case of non-unitary flat Hermitian bundles by using analysis of non-self-adjoint operators, and proven a certain equality in \(\mathbb{C}/\mathbb{Z}\) [\textit{M. F. Atiyah, V. K. Patrodi} and \textit{I. M. Singer}, Proc. Camb. Philos. Soc. 79, 71--99 (1976; Zbl 0325.58015)]. In the paper under review, the authors do the same without using non-self-adjoint operators; instead, they use the procedure of analytic continuation and a certain deformation of flat connections.