Noncommutative Geometry Seminar

Date: March 7, 2017

Time: 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Location: BLOC 506A

Speaker: Rudolf Zeidler, University of Münster

Title: Positive scalar curvature and secondary index theory

Abstract: Secondary index theory is the primary tool for gaining insights into topological properties of the space of metrics of positive scalar curvature on a given manifold. In the first part of the talk, we plan to give an introduction to this area in the context of coarse index theory. Then we will briefly discuss the positive scalar curvature sequence of Stolz and recall its relation to the analytic surgery sequence of Higson and Roe, as it was exhibited by Piazza and Schick as well as Xie and Yu. Finally, we aim to report on on-going joint work with N. Barcenas on how to utilize low-dimensional group homology to construct metrics of positive scalar curvature with certain prescribed secondary index invariants.