Elliptic operators in odd subspaces

An elliptic theory is constructed for operators acting in subspaces defined via odd pseudodifferential projections. Subspaces of this type arise as Calderon subspaces for first order elliptic differential operators on manifolds with boundary, or as spectral subspaces for self-adjoint elliptic differential operators of odd order. Index formulas are obtained for operators in odd subspaces on closed manifolds and for general boundary value problems. We prove that the eta-invariant of operators of odd order on even-dimesional manifolds is a dyadic rational number.Comment: 27 page

Elliptic operators in even subspaces

In the paper we consider the theory of elliptic operators acting in subspaces defined by pseudodifferential projections. This theory on closed manifolds is connected with the theory of boundary value problems for operators violating Atiyah-Bott condition. We prove an index formula for elliptic operators in subspaces defined by even projections on odd-dimensional manifolds and for boundary value problems, generalizing the classical result of Atiyah-Bott. Besides a topological contribution of Atiyah-Singer type, the index formulas contain an invariant of subspaces defined by even projections. This homotopy invariant can be expressed in terms of the eta-invariant. The results also shed new light on P.Gilkey's work on eta-invariants of even-order operators.Comment: 39 pages, 2 figure

Parity effect in Al and Nb single electron transistors in a tunable environment

Two different types of Cooper pair transistors, with Al and Nb islands, have been investigated in a tunable electromagnetic environment. The device with an Al island demonstrates gate charge modulation with 2e-periodicity in a wide range of environmental impedances at bath temperatures below 340 mK. Contrary to the results of the Al sample, we were not able to detect 2e-periodicity under any conditions on similar samples with Nb island. We attribute this to the material properties of Nb.Comment: 3 pages, 3 figure