The relative eta invariant for a pair of Dirac-type operators on non-compact manifolds

Abstract: Let $\mathcal{A}_0$ and $\mathcal{A}_1$ be two self-adjoint Fredholm Dirac-type operators defined on two non-compact manifolds. If they coincide at infinity so that the relative heat operator is trace-class, one can define their relative eta function as in the compact case. The regular value of this function at the zero point, which we call the relative eta invariant of $\mathcal{A}_0$ and $\mathcal{A}_1$, is a generalization of the eta invariant to non-compact situation. We study its variation formula and gluing law. In particular, under certain conditions, we show that this relative eta invariant coincides with the relative eta invariant that we previously defined using APS index of strongly Callias-type operators.