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arXiv · hep-th/9707040

Green functions of higher-order differential operators

Abstract

The Green functions of the partial differential operators of even order acting on smooth sections of a vector bundle over a Riemannian manifold are investigated via the heat kernel methods. We study the resolvent of a special class of higher-order operators formed by the products of second-order operators of Laplace type defined with the help of a unique Riemannian metric but with different bundle connections and potential terms. The asymptotic expansion of the Green functions near the diagonal is studied in detail in any dimension. As a by-product a simple criterion for the validity of the Huygens principle is obtained. It is shown that all the singularities as well as the non-analytic regular parts of the Green functions of such high-order operators are expressed in terms of the usual heat kernel coefficients $a_k$ for a special Laplace type second-order operator.

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BibTeXRIS

Ivan G. Avramidi. 1998-04-10. Green functions of higher-order differential operators. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.532436

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