Geometric interpretation of simplicial formulas for the Chern-Simons invariant (Q422123)

The classical Chern-Simons invariant is a circle-valued invariant of a flat connection on a \(3\)-manifold. The traditional cases that are studied are SU\((2)\) connections on general \(3\)-manifolds and the defining PSL\((2)\) representation of a hyperbolic \(3\)-manifold. In this latter case the invariant extends the volume to a natural complex-valued invariant. \textit{P. Kirk} and \textit{E. Klassen} developed a nice formula for the Chern Simons invariant of a \(3\)-manifold obtained by glueing two toroidal boundary components of a different \(3\)-manifold [Commun. Math. Phys. 153, No. 3, 521--557 (1993; Zbl 0789.57011)]. This was accomplished by integrating a model connection over \(T^2\times I\). There are also computations for special connections on fibered \(3\)-manifolds based on a model connection on a surface times an interval. \textit{W. D. Neumann} developed an interesting combinatorial formula for the Chern-Simons invariant in the hyperbolic case using group homology and Bloch group techniques [Geom. Topol. 8, 413-474 (2004; Zbl 1053.57010)]. This followed work of Dupont recognizing the dilogarithm as a characteristic class [\textit{J. L. Dupont}, J. Pure Appl. Algebra 44, 137--164 (1987; Zbl 0624.57024); \textit{J. L. Dupont} and \textit{C. K. Zickert}, Geom. Topol. 10, 1347--1372 (2006; Zbl 1130.57013)]. In this nice paper Marché gives a direct proof of Neumann's formula. To do so he uses the fact that there are now well-understood boundary conditions that may be used to define Chern-Simons invariants for manifolds with boundary. Roughly, his argument is to construct standard model connection forms on \(3\)-simplices that depend only on the cross-ratio invariant of the geometric \(3\)-simplex. He then computes the derivative of the Chern-Simons invariant with respect to these parameters. In the end he is able to integrate this expressions and evaluate the constant of integration by considering the behavior of the invariant under a Pachner move.