The index of hypoelliptic operators on foliated manifolds (Q622333)

The author proves an index theorem for hypoelliptic operators on foliated manifolds by adapting his earlier approach [Ann. Math. (2) 171, No.~3, 1647--1681 (2010; Zbl 1206.19004); Ann. Math. (2) 171, No.~3, 1683--1706 (2010; Zbl 1206.19005)] for the analogous problem on contact manifolds. Let \(M\) be a closed manifold with an integrable subbundle \(H \subset TM\). A weighted order for differential operators on \(M\) is introduced: Choose a bundle \(N\) transversal to \(H\). An element \(X \in H\) is of order 1 and any \(X \in N\) is of order 2. The author proves an elliptic estimate implying that differential operators with invertible weighted principal symbol are Fredholm between appropriate Sobolev spaces of weighted order. The proof identifying the topological and the analytic index for these operators is based on Connes' tangent groupoid approach. It follows that the usual cohomogical index formula also holds for hypoelliptic operators. The index theory for hypoelliptic operators on foliated manifolds turns out to be simpler than the one for contact manifolds. Instead of just citing his previous papers, the author reproves many results. Therefore, this well-written paper may also serve as an introduction to the author's approach.