Superconnections and index theory (Q550307)

The notion of a superconnection was introduced to mathematics by \textit{D. Quillen} [Topology 24, 89--95 (1985; Zbl 0569.58030)]. Then, Dirac operators coupled to superconnections could be constructed in a manner analogous to the construction of Dirac operators coupled to ordinary connections. The paper under review contains four results of local index theory of Dirac operators coupled to superconnections. First, using stochastic arguments and the Feynman-Kac formula, \textit{E. Getzler} [Contemp. Math. 179, 63--81 (1994; Zbl 0855.58055)] proved a local index theorem for Dirac operators coupled to superconnections. The paper under review gives a different proof of the theorem relying on heat kernel methods and the Getzler scaling argument. Second, Dirac operators coupled to superconnections on manifolds with boundary are studied. The \(\eta\)-invariant of a Dirac operator coupled to a superconnection is defined in terms of the \(\eta\)-invariant of a Dirac operator coupled to an ordinary connection and the Chern-Simons form between this connection and the superconnection. Then, an APS theorem for this \(\eta\)-invariant is proved. Third, families of Dirac operators coupled to superconnections are investigated, especially, the Chern character of the pushed-forward superconnection is computed. This result extends the work of \textit{J.-M. Bismut} [Invent. Math. 83, 91--151 (1986; Zbl 0592.58047)] for families of Dirac operators coupled to connections. Fourth, the determinant line bundle associated to a family of Dirac operators coupled to superconnections is defined and its curvature and holonomy are computed. This extends the works of \textit{D. Quillen} [Funct. Anal. Appl. 19, 31--34 (1985); translation from Funkts. Anal. Prilozh. 19, No.~1, 37--41 (1985; Zbl 0603.32016)], and \textit{J.-M. Bismut} and \textit{D. S. Freed} [Commun. Math. Phys. 106, 159--176 (1986; Zbl 0657.58037); Commun. Math. Phys. 107, 103--163 (1986; Zbl 0657.58038)].