No label defined (Q4472993)

Let \(f: X\to S\) be a smooth family of curves over a smooth base scheme \(S\) defined over a field of characteristic zero, and let \((E,\nabla_{X/S})\) be a regular relative connection with respect to a vector bundle \(E\) over \(X\). In the paper under review, the authors show the existence of functorial classes \(c_2((E, \nabla_{X/S}))\) and \(c_1((E, \nabla_{X/S}))^2\) in the relative cohomology of the \(d\log\)-complex associated with the family \(f:X\to S\) which appear as a more algebraic version of a related analytic approach due to A. Beilinson. Moreover, the authors explain how this important example transpires from a much more general theory of relative differential characters, the foundations of which were elaborated in a previous paper of \textit{H. Esnault} [in: Regulators in analysis, geometry and number theory, Prog. Math. 171, 89--115 (1996)]. This general framework can be applied to higher-dimensional morphisms and higher functorial classes as well. Furthermore, the authors also give a second construction of their above-mentioned functorial classes, this time using the so-called Weil-algebra homomorphism as constructed in an unpublished work of A. Beilinson and D. Kazhdan. The relevant material from this approach is given in full detail, and it is pointed out how this second approach could be used to generalize the whole theory to the wider class of \(G\)-bundles (instead of just vector bundles \(E\)). Finally, a thorough comparison of the authors' approaches with Beilinson's ideas (private communication to H. Esnault) is delivered at the end of the paper. For the entire collection see [Zbl 1033.11002].