English

Random matrices

Mathematical Physics 2018-07-06 v2 Statistical Mechanics High Energy Physics - Theory math.MP

Abstract

We provide a self-contained introduction to random matrices. While some applications are mentioned, our main emphasis is on three different approaches to random matrix models: the Coulomb gas method and its interpretation in terms of algebraic geometry, loop equations and their solution using topological recursion, orthogonal polynomials and their relation with integrable systems. Each approach provides its own definition of the spectral curve, a geometric object which encodes all the properties of a model. We also introduce the two peripheral subjects of counting polygonal surfaces, and computing angular integrals.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1510.04430,
  title  = {Random matrices},
  author = {Bertrand Eynard and Taro Kimura and Sylvain Ribault},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1510.04430},
  year   = {2018}
}

Comments

196 pages, v2: major revision and expansion, 32 exercises added

R2 v1 2026-06-22T11:20:59.879Z