On positivity of the Kadison constant and noncommutative Bloch theory

In an earlier paper, we established a natural connection between the Baum-Connes conjecture and noncommutative Bloch theory, viz. the spectral theory of projectively periodic elliptic operators on covering spaces. We elaborate on this connection here and provide significant evidence for a fundamental conjecture in noncommutative Bloch theory on the non-existence of Cantor set type spectrum. This is accomplished by establishing an explicit lower bound for the Kadison constant of twisted group C*-algebras in a large number of cases, whenever the multiplier is rational.Comment: Latex2e, 16 pages, final version, to appear in a special issue of Tohoku Math. J. (in press

Group dualities, T-dualities, and twisted K-theory

This paper explores further the connection between Langlands duality and T-duality for compact simple Lie groups, which appeared in work of Daenzer-Van Erp and Bunke-Nikolaus. We show that Langlands duality gives rise to isomorphisms of twisted K-groups, but that these K-groups are trivial except in the simplest case of SU(2) and SO(3). Along the way we compute explicitly the map on $H^3$ induced by a covering of compact simple Lie groups, which is either 1 or 2 depending in a complicated way on the type of the groups involved. We also give a new method for computing twisted K-theory using the Segal spectral sequence, giving simpler computations of certain twisted K-theory groups of compact Lie groups relevant for D-brane charges in WZW theories and rank-level dualities. Finally we study a duality for orientifolds based on complex Lie groups with an involution.Comment: 29 pages, mild revisio

Kato's inequality and asymptotic spectral properties for discrete magnetic Laplacians

In this paper, a discrete form of the Kato inequality for discrete magnetic Laplacians on graphs is used to study asymptotic properties of the spectrum of discrete magnetic Schrodinger operators. We use the existence of a ground state with suitable properties for the ordinary combinatorial Laplacian and semigroup domination to relate the combinatorial Laplacian with the discrete magnetic Laplacian.Comment: 14 pages, latex2e, final version, to appear in "Contemporary Math.

Twisted index theory on good orbifolds, I: noncommutative Bloch theory

This paper, together with Part II, expands the results of math.DG/9803051. In Part I we study the twisted index theory of elliptic operators on orbifold covering spaces of compact good orbifolds, which are invariant under a projective action of the orbifold fundamental group. We apply these results to obtain qualitative results on real and complex hyperbolic spaces in 2 and 4 dimensions, related to generalizations of the Bethe-Sommerfeld conjecture and the Ten Martini Problem, on the spectrum of self adjoint elliptic operators which are invariant under a projective action of a discrete cocompact group.Comment: 34 pages, LaTe

T-duality for torus bundles with H-fluxes via noncommutative topology, II: the high-dimensional case and the T-duality group

We use noncommutative topology to study T-duality for principal torus bundles with H-flux. We characterize precisely when there is a "classical" T-dual, i.e., a dual bundle with dual H-flux, and when the T-dual must be "non-classical," that is, a continuous field of noncommutative tori. The duality comes with an isomorphism of twisted $K$-theories, required for matching of D-brane charges, just as in the classical case. The isomorphism of twisted cohomology which one gets in the classical case is replaced in the non-classical case by an isomorphism of twisted cyclic homology. An important part of the paper contains a detailed analysis of the classifying space for topological T-duality, as well as the T-duality group and its action. The issue of possible non-uniqueness of T-duals can be studied via the action of the T-duality group.Comment: Latex2e, 36 pages, 2 figures, uses xypic, few minor changes mad

Towards the fractional quantum Hall effect: a noncommutative geometry perspective

In this paper we give a survey of some models of the integer and fractional quantum Hall effect based on noncommutative geometry. We begin by recalling some classical geometry of electrons in solids and the passage to noncommutative geometry produced by the presence of a magnetic field. We recall how one can obtain this way a single electron model of the integer quantum Hall effect. While in the case of the integer quantum Hall effect the underlying geometry is Euclidean, we then discuss a model of the fractional quantum Hall effect, which is based on hyperbolic geometry simulating the multi-electron interactions. We derive the fractional values of the Hall conductance as integer multiples of orbifold Euler characteristics. We compare the results with experimental data.Comment: 27 pages, LaTeX, 9 eps figures, v2: minor change

Analytic Torsion of Z_2-graded Elliptic Complexes

We define analytic torsion of Z_2-graded elliptic complexes as an element in the graded determinant line of the cohomology of the complex, generalizing most of the variants of Ray-Singer analytic torsion in the literature. It applies to a myriad of new examples, including flat superconnection complexes, twisted analytic and twisted holomorphic torsions, etc. The definition uses pseudo-differential operators and residue traces. We also study properties of analytic torsion for Z_2-graded elliptic complexes, including the behavior under variation of the metric. For compact odd dimensional manifolds, the analytic torsion is independent of the metric, whereas for even dimensional manifolds, a relative version of the analytic torsion is independent of the metric. Finally, the relation to topological field theories is studied.Comment: 14 pages, typos corrected and other minor changes made in the revised versio

Twisted higher index theory on good orbifolds and fractional quantum numbers

The twisted Connes-Moscovici higher index theorem is generalized to the case of good orbifolds. The higher index is shown to be a rational number, and in fact non-integer in specific examples of 2-orbifolds. This results in a non-commutative geometry model that predicts the occurrence of fractional quantum numbers in the Hall effect on the hyperbolic plane.Comment: 47 pages, Late