Localized index and \(L^2\)-Lefschetz fixed-point formula for orbifolds (Q267540)

Let a discrete group \(G\) act properly, co-compactly, and isometrically on a complete Riemannian orbifold \(X\). Let \(D\) be a \(G\)-invariant operator of Dirac type on \(X\). The setting generalizes the \(L^{2}\)-index setting of \textit{M.F. Atiyah} [Astérisque 32-33, 43--72 (1976; Zbl. 0323.58015)]. The authors develop \(L^{2}\)-index theory in this setting and relate it to the orbifold \(G\backslash X\) index theory of \textit{T. Kawasaki} [Nagoya Math. J. 84, 135--157 (1981; Zbl. 0437.58020)]. They achieve their results by extending the higher index theory introduced in [\textit{G. G. Kasparov}, Sov. Math., Dokl. 27, 105--109 (1983; Zbl 0526.22007); translation from Dokl. Akad. Nauk SSSR 268, 533--537 (1983)] to take values in the \(K\)-theory of various completions of \(\mathbb C G\), by applying localized \((g)\)-traces to these higher indices, and by relating these localized \((g)\)-traces to heat kernel estimates of \((g)\)-traces. At least under some fairly general assumptions, the \(L^{2}\)-index of \(D\) is associated with the top stratum of the Kawasaki index formula on the quotient, and the localized indices arising from \((g)\)-traces are related to lower strata of that formula. The authors note that their results lead to an \(L^{2}\)-Lefschetz fixed point formula, are related to the Selberg trace formula, and provide additional obstructions to the positive scalar curvature of the quotient orbifold.