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Matthias Staudacher

Publications and source records attributed to Matthias Staudacher.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
arXiv2000

Statistical Physics Approach to M-theory Integrals

We explain the concepts of computational statistical physics which have proven very helpful in the study of Yang-Mills integrals, an ubiquitous new class of matrix models. Issues treated are: Absolute convergence versus Monte Carlo computability of near-singular integrals, singularity detection by Markov-chain methods, applications to asymptotic eigenvalue distributions and to numerical evaluations of multiple bosonic and supersymmetric integrals. In many cases already, it has been possible to resolve controversies between conflicting analytical results using the methods presented here.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2000

Bulk Witten Indices and the Number of Normalizable Ground States in Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics of Orthogonal, Symplectic and Exceptional Groups

This note addresses the question of the number of normalizable vacuum states in supersymmetric quantum mechanics with sixteen supercharges and arbitrary semi-simple compact gauge group, up to rank three. After evaluating certain contour integrals obtained by appropriately adapting BRST deformation techniques we propose novel rational values for the bulk indices. Our results demonstrate that an asymptotic method for obtaining the boundary contribution to the index, originally due to Green and Gutperle, fails for groups other than SU(N). We then obtain likely values for the number of ground states of these systems. In the case of orthogonal and symplectic groups our finding is consistent with recent conjectures of Kac and Smilga, but appears to contradict their result in the case of the exceptional group G_2.

hep-th↗
arXiv2000

Yang-Mills Integrals for Orthogonal, Symplectic and Exceptional Groups

We apply numerical and analytic techniques to the study of Yang-Mills integrals with orthogonal, symplectic and exceptional gauge symmetries. The main focus is on the supersymmetric integrals, which correspond essentially to the bulk part of the Witten index for susy quantum mechanical gauge theory. We evaluate these integrals for D=4 and group rank up to three, using Monte Carlo methods. Our results are at variance with previous findings. We further compute the integrals with the deformation technique of Moore, Nekrasov and Shatashvili, which we adapt to the groups under study. Excellent agreement with all our numerical calculations is obtained. We also discuss the convergence properties of the purely bosonic integrals.

hep-th↗
arXiv1999

Yang-Mills Integrals

SU(N) Yang-Mills integrals form a new class of matrix models which, in their maximally supersymmetric version, are relevant to recent non-perturbative definitions of 10-dimensional IIB superstring theory and 11-dimensional M-theory. We demonstrate how Monte Carlo methods may be used to establish important properties of these models. In particular we consider the partition functions as well as the matrix eigenvalue distributions. For the latter we derive a number of new exact results for SU(2). We also report preliminary computations of Wilson loops. (Based on talk presented by M. Staudacher at Strings '99, Potsdam, July 19-24 1999)

hep-th↗
arXiv1999

Large N Matrix Field Theories

We discuss aspects of recent novel approaches towards understanding the large N limit of matrix field theories with local or global non-abelian symmetry.

hep-th↗
arXiv1999

Eigenvalue Distributions in Yang-Mills Integrals

We investigate one-matrix correlation functions for finite SU(N) Yang-Mills integrals with and without supersymmetry. We propose novel convergence conditions for these correlators which we determine from the one-loop perturbative effective action. These conditions are found to agree with non-perturbative Monte Carlo calculations for various gauge groups and dimensions. Our results yield important insights into the eigenvalue distributions rho(lambda) of these random matrix models. For the bosonic models, we find that the spectral densities rho(lambda) possess moments of all orders as N -> Infinity. In the supersymmetric case, rho(lambda) is a wide distribution with an N-independent asymptotic behavior rho(lambda) ~ lambda^(-3), lambda^(-7), lambda^(-15) for dimensions D=4,6,10, respectively.

hep-th↗
arXiv1998

Finite Yang-Mills Integrals

We use Monte Carlo methods to directly evaluate D-dimensional SU(N) Yang-Mills partition functions reduced to zero Euclidean dimensions, with and without supersymmetry. In the non-supersymmetric case, we find that the integrals exist for D=3, N>3 and D=4, N>2 and, lastly, D >= 5, N >= 2. We conclude that the D=3 and D=4 integrals exist in the large N limit, and therefore lead to a well-defined, new type of Eguchi-Kawai reduced gauge theory. For the supersymmetric case, we check, up to SU(5), recently proposed exact formulas for the D=4 and D=6 D-instanton integrals, including the explicit form of the normalization factor needed to interpret the integrals as the bulk contribution to the Witten index.

hep-th↗
arXiv1998

Monte Carlo Approach to M-Theory

We discuss supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory dimensionally reduced to zero dimensions and evaluate the SU(2) and SU(3) partition functions by Monte Carlo methods. The exactly known SU(2) results are reproduced to very high precision. Our calculations for SU(3) agree closely with an extension of a conjecture due to Green and Gutperle concerning the exact value of the SU(N) partition functions.

hep-th↗
arXiv1997

Two-Dimensional QCD in the Wu-Mandelstam-Leibbrandt Prescription

We find the exact non-perturbative expression for a simple Wilson loop of arbitrary shape for U(N) and SU(N) Euclidean or Minkowskian two-dimensional Yang-Mills theory regulated by the Wu-Mandelstam-Leibbrandt gauge prescription. The result differs from the standard pure exponential area-law of YM_2, but still exhibits confinement as well as invariance under area-preserving diffeomorphisms and generalized axial gauge transformations. We show that the large N limit is NOT a good approximation to the model at finite N and conclude that Wu's N=infinity Bethe-Salpeter equation for QCD_2 should have no bound state solutions. The main significance of our results derives from the importance of the Wu-Mandelstam-Leibbrandt prescription in higher-dimensional perturbative gauge theory.

hep-th↗
arXiv1997

Complex Matrix Models and Statistics of Branched Coverings of 2D Surfaces

We present a complex matrix gauge model defined on an arbitrary two-dimensional orientable lattice. We rewrite the model's partition function in terms of a sum over representations of the group U(N). The model solves the general combinatorial problem of counting branched covers of orientable Riemann surfaces with any given, fixed branch point structure. We then define an appropriate continuum limit allowing the branch points to freely float over the surface. The simplest such limit reproduces two-dimensional chiral U(N) Yang-Mills theory and its string description due to Gross and Taylor.

hep-th↗
arXiv1996

Two-Dimensional Chiral Matrix Models and String Theories

We formulate and solve a class of two-dimensional matrix gauge models describing ensembles of non-folding surfaces covering an oriented, discretized, two-dimensional manifold. We interpret the models as string theories characterized by a set of coupling constants associated to worldsheet ramification points of various orders. Our approach is closely related to, but simpler than, the string theory describing two-dimensional Yang-Mills theory. Using recently developed character expansion methods we exactly solve the models for target space lattices of arbitrary internal connectivity and topology.

hep-th↗
arXiv1996

Non-Integrability of Two-Dimensional QCD

In this paper we numerically demonstrate that massless two-dimensional QCD is not integrable. To this aim, we explicitly solve the 't Hooft integral equation for bound states by an adaptive spline procedure, and compute the decay amplitudes. These amplitudes significantly differ from zero except in all cases in which the decay also produces a pion.

hep-th↗
arXiv1995

Almost Flat Planar Diagrams

We continue our study of matrix models of dually weighted graphs. Among the attractive features of these models is the possibility to interpolate between ensembles of regular and random two-dimensional lattices, relevant for the study of the crossover from two-dimensional flat space to two-dimensional quantum gravity. We further develop the formalism of large $N$ character expansions. In particular, a general method for determining the large $N$ limit of a character is derived. This method, aside from being potentially useful for a far greater class of problems, allows us to exactly solve the matrix models of dually weighted graphs, reducing them to a well-posed Cauchy-Riemann problem. The power of the method is illustrated by explicitly solving a new model in which only positive curvature defects are permitted on the surface, an arbitrary amount of negative curvature being introduced at a single insertion.

hep-th↗
arXiv1995

Character Expansion Methods for Matrix Models of Dually Weighted Graphs

We consider generalized one-matrix models in which external fields allow control over the coordination numbers on both the original and dual lattices. We rederive in a simple fashion a character expansion formula for these models originally due to Itzykson and Di Francesco, and then demonstrate how to take the large N limit of this expansion. The relationship to the usual matrix model resolvent is elucidated. Our methods give as a by-product an extremely simple derivation of the Migdal integral equation describing the large $N$ limit of the Itzykson-Zuber formula. We illustrate and check our methods by analyzing a number of models solvable by traditional means. We then proceed to solve a new model: a sum over planar graphs possessing even coordination numbers on both the original and the dual lattice. We conclude by formulating equations for the case of arbitrary sets of even, self-dual coupling constants. This opens the way for studying the deep problem of phase transitions from random to flat lattices.

hep-th↗
arXiv1994

Generalized Two-Dimensional QCD

We study two-dimensional gauge theories with fundamental fermions and a general first order gauge-field Lagrangian. For the case of U(1) we show how standard bosonization of the Schwinger model generalizes to give mesons interacting through a general Landau-Ginzburg potential. We then show how for a subclass of SU(N) theories, 't Hooft's solution of large N two-dimensional QCD can be generalized in a consistent and natural manner. We finally point out the possible relevance of studying these theories to the string formulation of two-dimensional QCD as well as to understanding QCD in higher dimensions.

hep-th↗
arXiv1993

Combinatorial Solution of the Two-Matrix Model

We write down and solve a closed set of Schwinger-Dyson equations for the two-matrix model in the large $N$ limit. Our elementary method yields exact solutions for correlation functions involving angular degrees of freedom whose calculation was impossible with previously known techniques. The result sustains the hope that more complicated matrix models important for lattice string theory and QCD may also be solvable despite the problem of the angular integrations. As an application of our method we briefly discuss the calculation of wavefunctions with general matter boundary conditions for the Ising model coupled to $2D$ quantum gravity. Some novel insights into the relationship between lattice and continuum boundary conditions are obtained.

hep-th↗
arXiv1992

Strings in Discrete and Continuous Target Spaces: A Comparison

We find the precise relationship between the loop gas method and the matrix quantum mechanics approach to two-dimensional string theory. The two systems are distinguished by different target spaces ($\Z$ and $\R$, respectively) as far as {\it observables} are concerned. We argue that target space loop correlators should coincide in the two models and demonstrate this for a number of examples. As a consequence some interesting generic observations about the structure of two-dimensional string theory may be made: Restricting to a discrete target space leads to {\it factorization} of amplitudes and thus to very simple sewing rules. It is also demonstrated that the restriction to the discrete target space still allows to calculate the correlation functions of tachyon operators in the unrestricted theory.

hep-th↗