Gauged permutation invariant matrix quantum mechanics: Partition functions

Abstract

The Hilbert spaces of matrix quantum mechanical systems with $N \times N$ matrix degrees of freedom $ X $ have been analysed recently in terms of $S_N$ symmetric group elements $U$ acting as $X \rightarrow U X U^T $. Solvable models have been constructed uncovering partition algebras as hidden symmetries of these systems. The solvable models include an 11-dimensional space of matrix harmonic oscillators, the simplest of which is the standard matrix harmonic oscillator with $U(N)$ symmetry. The permutation symmetry is realised as gauge symmetry in a path integral formulation in a companion paper. With the simplest matrix oscillator Hamiltonian subject to gauge permutation symmetry, we use the known result for the micro-canonical partition function to derive the canonical partition function. It is expressed as a sum over partitions of $N$ of products of factors which depend on elementary number-theoretic properties of the partitions, notably the least common multiples and greatest common divisors of pairs of parts appearing in the partition. This formula is recovered using the Molien-Weyl formula, which we review for convenience. The Molien-Weyl formula is then used to generalise the formula for the canonical partition function to the 11-parameter permutation invariant matrix harmonic oscillator.