An equivariant index formula in contact geometry

Given an elliptic action of a compact Lie group $G$ on a co-oriented contact manifold $(M,E)$ one obtains two naturally associated objects: A $G$-transversally elliptic operator $\dirac$, and an equivariant differential form with generalized coefficients $\mathcal{J}(E,X)$ defined in terms of a choice of contact form on $M$. We explain how the form $\mathcal{J}(E,X)$ is natural with respect to the contact structure, and give a formula for the equivariant index of $\dirac$ involving $\mathcal{J}(E,X)$. A key tool is the Chern character with compact support developed by Paradan-Vergne \cite{PV1,PV}.

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Published 1 January 2009