Gaussian test functions and Jacquet-Rallis transfer

Abstract

We construct Gaussian test functions for the general linear side of the Jacquet-Rallis relative trace formula comparison. These are functions which are defined in terms of their orbital integrals and transfer to the compact unitary group. Our construction relies on the formalism of Kudla-Millson and simple geometric properties of symmetric spaces. In particular, it also provides an explicit formula in terms of the Howe operator.