A mod 2 index theorem for pin$^-$ manifolds

Abstract

We establish a mod 2 index theorem for real vector bundles over 8k+2 dimensional compact pin$^-$ manifolds. The analytic index is the reduced $η$ invariant of (twisted) Dirac operators and the topological index is defined through $KO$-theory. Our main result extends the mod 2 index theorem of Atiyan and Singer to non-orientable manifolds.

21 pages. MSRI Preprint No. 053-94