Higher Index Theory
Index theory studies the solutions to differential equations on geometric spaces, their relation to the underlying geometry and topology, and applications to physics. If the space of solutions is infinite dimensional, it becomes necessary to generalise the classical Fredholm index using tools from the K-theory of operator algebras. This leads to higher index theory, a rapidly developing subject with connections to noncommutative geometry, large-scale geometry, manifold topology and geometry, and operator algebras. Aimed at geometers, topologists and operator algebraists, this book takes a friendly and concrete approach to this exciting theory, focusing on the main conjectures in the area and their applications outside of it. A well-balanced combination of detailed introductory material (with exercises), cutting-edge developments and references to the wider literature make this a valuable guide to this active area for graduate students and experts alike.
- Explains key techniques and motivating background material to introduce a vibrant and highly active area of modern mathematics
- Written in a concrete, example-focused style, and gives new and simpler approaches in many cases
- A self-contained reference for many facts that can be difficult to find in the existing literature
Reviews & endorsements
‘This book is an exceptional blend of clear, concise, delightfully written exposition and thorough scholarship. The book also has much to offer more experienced researchers.’ Peter Haskell, European Mathematical Society
Product details
June 2020Adobe eBook Reader
9781108856911
0 pages
1 b/w illus. 150 exercises
This ISBN is for an eBook version which is distributed on our behalf by a third party.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Part I. Background:
- 1. C*-algebras
- 2. K-theory for C*-algebras
- 3. Motivation: positive scalar curvature on tori
- Part II. Roe Algebras, Localisation Algebras, and Assembly:
- 4. Geometric modules
- 5. Roe algebras
- 6. Localisation algebras and K-homology
- 7. Assembly maps and the Baum– Connes conjecture
- Part III. Differential Operators:
- 8. Elliptic operators and K-homology
- 9. Products and Poincaré duality
- 10. Applications to algebra, geometry, and topology
- Part IV. Higher Index Theory and Assembly:
- 11. Almost constant bundles
- 12. Higher index theory for coarsely embeddable spaces
- 13. Counterexamples
- Appendix A. Topological spaces, group actions, and coarse geometry
- Appendix B. Categories of topological spaces and homology theories
- Appendix C. Unitary representations
- Appendix D. Unbounded operators
- Appendix E. Gradings
- References
- Index of symbols
- Subject index.