On the Adams-Riemann-Roch theorem in positive characteristic (Q415494)

Given a scheme \(Z\) of prime characteristic \(p\), the authors construct a beautifully simple bundle representative for the \(p\)th Bott class \(\theta^p(E) \in K_0(Z)\) of any vector bundle~\(E\) on~\(Z\). If furthermore \(f:X \rightarrow Y\) is a \textbf{smooth} projective morphism between schemes of characteristic~\(p\) and \(F\) denotes the corresponding relative Frobenius morphism, the authors then derive the formula \(F_*(\theta^p(\Omega_f)^{-1})=1\) in \(K_0(X)\). This formula has been posed as a question by the reviewer in [Math.\ Z.~233, No. 4, 755--801 (2000; Zbl 1006.14003)]. Both that paper and the paper under review explain how this finally leads to a quick and new proof of the famous Adams-Riemann-Roch theorem for \(f\). The paper ends with an appendix by the reviewer giving another formula for the Bott element which extends a list of miraculous analogies between the just described approach to the Adams-Riemann-Roch theorem in positive characteristic and the approach in characteristic~0 developed by the reviewer in [loc. cit.].