The Atiyah-Patodi-Singer index theorem for Dirac operators over \(C^*\)-algebras (Q384627)

The main result of the paper is a higher Atiyah-Patodi-Singer index theorem for Dirac operators twisted by \(C^*\)-vector bundles. It uses the superconnection formalism of Bismut, whose application to Dirac operators was began by Lott. Using Lott's methods, the author defines the noncommutative \(\eta\)-forms and formulates the index theorem. The considered boundary conditions generalize those introduced by Melrose-Piazza for families, and those in higher index theory by Leichtnam-Piazza. A previous higher Atiyah-Patodi-Singer index theorem of Leichtnam-Piazza for coverings follows by applying the result of this paper to Dirac operators twisted by the Mishenko-Fomenko bundle associated to the \(C^*\)-algebra of the fundamental group. From this theorem, it also follows a product formula for \(\eta\)-forms, and the study of higher \(\rho\)-invariants, which generalize the higher \(\rho\)-form of Lott.