The spectral localizer for even index pairings

Abstract

Even index pairings are integer-valued homotopy invariants combining an even Fredholm module with a $K_0$-class specified by a projection. Numerous classical examples are known from differential and non-commutative geometry and physics. Here it is shown how to construct a finite-dimensional self-adjoint and invertible matrix, called the spectral localizer, such that half its signature is equal to the even index pairing. This makes the invariant numerically accessible. The index-theoretic proof heavily uses fuzzy spheres.