Algebraic And Geometric Aspects Of Integrable Systems And Random Matrices

This volume contains the proceedings of the AMS Special Session on Algebraic and Geometric Aspects of Integrable Systems and Random Matrices, held from January 6-7, 2012, in Boston, MA. The very wide range of topics represented in this volume illustrates

This book explores the remarkable connections between two domains that, a priori, seem unrelated: Random matrices (together with associated random processes) and integrable systems. The relations between random matrix models and the theory of classical integrable systems have long been studied. These appear mainly in the deformation theory, when parameters characterizing the measures or the domain of localization of the eigenvalues are varied. The resulting differential equations determining the partition function and correlation functions are, remarkably, of the same type as certain equations appearing in the theory of integrable systems. They may be analyzed effectively through methods based upon the Riemann-Hilbert problem of analytic function theory and by related approaches to the study of nonlinear asymptotics in the large N limit. Associated with studies of matrix models are certain stochastic processes, the "Dyson processes", and their continuum diffusion limits, which govern the spectrum in random matrix ensembles, and may also be studied by related methods. Random Matrices, Random Processes and Integrable Systems provides an in-depth examination of random matrices with applications over a vast variety of domains, including multivariate statistics, random growth models, and many others. Leaders in the field apply the theory of integrable systems to the solution of fundamental problems in random systems and processes using an interdisciplinary approach that sheds new light on a dynamic topic of current research.

This volume contains the proceedings of a conference held at the Courant Institute in 2006 to celebrate the 60th birthday of Percy A. Deift. The program reflected the wide-ranging contributions of Professor Deift to analysis with emphasis on recent developments in Random Matrix Theory and integrable systems. The articles in this volume present a broad view on the state of the art in these fields. Topics on random matrices include the distributions and stochastic processes associated with local eigenvalue statistics, as well as their appearance in combinatorial models such as TASEP, last passage percolation and tilings. The contributions in integrable systems mostly deal with focusing NLS, the Camassa-Holm equation and the Toda lattice. A number of papers are devoted to techniques that are used in both fields. These techniques are related to orthogonal polynomials, operator determinants, special functions, Riemann-Hilbert problems, direct and inverse spectral theory. Of special interest is the article of Percy Deift in which he discusses some open problems of Random Matrix Theory and the theory of integrable systems.

Reflects the range of mathematical interests of Henry McKean, to whom it is dedicated.

A collection of articles discussing integrable systems and algebraic geometry from leading researchers in the field.