Analytic torsion for twisted de Rham complexes (Q664890)

Let \(X\) be a compact oriented smooth manifold and let \(\rho:\pi_1(X)\to GL(E)\) be an orthogonal or unitary representation. Denote by \(\mathcal{E}\) the corresponding flat bundle over \(X\) with the canonical flat connection \(\nabla^\mathcal{E}.\) The flux form \(H\) is a closed differential form on \(X\) of odd degree which is at least 3. The twisted de Rham complex is the \(\mathbb{Z}_2-\)graded complex \((\Omega^\bullet(X,\mathcal{E}), \nabla^\mathcal{E}+H\wedge\cdot).\) Its cohomology is the twisted de Rham cohomology. First, the authors establish several properties about the twisted de Rham cohomology. It is invariant under scalings of \(H\) and smooth homotopy equivalences that match the cohomology classes of the flux forms. It has Poincaré duality and Künneth isomorphism. Second, the authors define an analytic torsion of the twisted de Rham cohomology as a ratio of zeta-function regularized determinants of partial Laplacians, multiplied by the ratio of volume elements of the cohomology groups. It is proved that if the dimension of \(X\) is odd, the twisted analytic torsion is independent of the choice of the Riemannian metric on \(X\) and the Hermitian metric on \(\mathcal{E}\). The twisted analytic torsion is also invariant if \(H\) deforms within its cohomology. Third, the twisted analytic torsion is investigated in the context of generalized geometry. It has some basic functional properties. When \(H\) is a top degree form, the twisted simplicial torsion is defined and shown to be equal to the twisted analytic torsion. This is an analog of Cheeger-Müller's theorem for R-torsion. The twisted analytic torsion for T-dual circle bundles with integral 3-form fluxes is also studied.