Heat kernel coefficients for Laplace operators on the spherical suspension (Q453339)

Let \(N\) be a Riemannian manifold of dimension \(d\) and let \(M=I\times N\) be a spherical suspension (also termed Riemann or spherical cap); here \(ds^2_M=d\theta^2+\sin^2\theta ds^2_N\). The authors determine the heat trace asymptotic coefficients for the scalar Laplacian on \(M\); \[ \Delta_M=\partial_\theta^2+d\cot\theta\partial_\theta+\sin^{-2}\theta\Delta_N\,. \] The present paper represents a generalization of conical geometries {\parindent =7mm \begin{itemize}\item[--] similar mathematical techniques are used but the nature of the radial eigenfunctions is a bit different \item[--] rather than Bessel functions one obtains Legendre functions \item [--] the analytic continuation of the associated spectral zeta function is quite new. \end{itemize}} Section 2 deals with the geometry of the heat kernel in the particular example of the spherical suspension especially the specific eigenvalue problem is discussed. The spectral \(\zeta\) function is treated in Section 3. Section 4 is a technical section where certain explicit evaluations must be made. In Section 5, the heat kernel coefficients on the spherical suspension \(M\) are given in terms of those on the base \(N\). In Section 6, the specific situation is examined in the situation that the base manifold is a \(d\)-dimensional sphere; here hypergeometric functions enter. The paper concludes with several appendixes listing certain functions quite explicitly. The computation of the heat trace coefficients presented in the paper is highly non-trivial and embodies several novel features.