Geometric K-homology with coefficients I

Abstract

We construct a Baum-Douglas type model for $K$-homology with coefficients in $\mathbb{Z}/k\mathbb{Z}$. The basic geometric object in a cycle is a $spin^c$ $\mathbb{Z}/k\mathbb{Z}$-manifold. The relationship between these cycles and the topological side of the Freed-Melrose index theorem is discussed in detail. Finally, using inductive limits, we construct geometric models for $K$-homology with coefficients in any countable abelian group.