Index theory for boundary value problems via continuous fields of \(C^*\)-algebras (Q732050)

The Boutet de Monvel calculus [\textit{L. Boutet de Monvel}, Acta Math. 126, 11--51 (1971; Zbl 0206.39401)] is an extension of pseudodifferential calculus adapted to manifolds with boundary, in particular this calculus contains the parametrix of an elliptic boundary value problem. The present paper analyzes the index of elliptic elements in the Boutet de Monvel calculus in \(K\)-theoretic terms. One of the main results here is a new proof of the equality between the analytic index and the topological index, defined in terms of the principal symbol and the symbol at the boundary. By analogy with the boundaryless case, following \textit{G. A. Elliott, T. Natsume} and \textit{R. Nest} [Commun. Math. Phys. 182, No.~3, 505--533 (1996; Zbl 0876.58047)], the proof uses a continuous field of \(C^*\)-algebras over \([0,1]\) corresponding to a semi-classical deformation. A further expression for the index is given in the spirit of noncommutative geometry.