Scattering theory for conformally compact metrics with variable curvature at infinity (Q5945089)

\textit{R. Mazzeo} introduced the notion of a conformally compact metric in [J. Differ. Geom. 28, 309-339 (1988; Zbl 0656.53042)]. Let \(M\) be a smooth manifold of dimension \(n\) with boundary \(B\), and let \(g\) be a smooth metric on \(M\). Let \(x\) be a nonnegative function on \(M\) such that \(B=\{ x=0 \}\) and \(dx\) is nonzero on \(B\). A conformally compact metric on the interior of \(M\) is a metric of the form \(g/x^{2}\). Such a metric is complete, and sectional curvatures approach the value \(-\alpha^2\) along a nontrapped geodesic, where \(\alpha\) is the function on \(B\) that satisfies \(\alpha(y)=|dx(y)|_{g}\). If \(\alpha\) is constant, then the metric is called \textit{asymptotically hyperbolic}. In this case, \textit{R. Mazzeo} and \textit{R. B. Melrose} proved the meromorphic continuation of the resolvent \(R_z=[\Delta-\alpha^2z(n-z)]^{-1}\) in [J. Funct. Anal. 75, 260-310 (1987; Zbl 0636.58034)], leading to the parametrization of the continuous spectrum by functions on \(B\), the scattering matrix, and other associated theory. This paper develops the scattering theory for the more general conformally compact case, which is considerably more complicated.