An equivariant index formula in contact geometry (Q843052)

Let \((M,E)\) be a compact contact manifold, assume that the line bundle \(TM/E\) is oriented and let \(J\) be a complex structure in the bundle \(E\), compatible with \(d\alpha\) for some contact form \(\alpha\). By fixing a metric in \(E\) one obtains a Clifford module \(\mathcal E= \Lambda E^{0,1}\). Together with a compatible connection, these data define a Dirac-like operator \(D\). Suppose now that a compact Lie group \(G\) acts on \(M\) transversally to \(E\), then \(D\) is transversally elliptic and its equivaraint index is well defined as a distribution on \(G\). The main result of this paper is a formula for the equivariant index of \(D\) near a point \(g\in G\) in terms of an integral over the fixed point set of \(g\). The integrand consists of the Todd genus of the induced contact structure over \(M(g)\), and a distribution-valued differential form defined from the contact form \(\alpha\). This formula provides a re-interpretation of the equivariant index formula of \textit{N. Berline} and \textit{M. Vergne} [Invent. Math. 124, No. 1--3, 51--101 (1996; Zbl 0883.58037)].