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Valentin Bonzom

Publications and source records attributed to Valentin Bonzom.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2026

Differential equations for bipartite maps with bounded face degrees

In recent years, integrable hierarchies have been used to great advantage for the enumeration of combinatorial maps. They have led to recurrence formulas with respect to the size and genus of the maps, e.g. for triangulations, bipartite quadrangulations and bipartite maps, and for constellations. These formulas are not only remarkably simple but also provide the fastest way of calculating these numbers of maps. With the exception of Louf's work on constellations, it has however remained a challenge to obtain recurrence formulas that control the degrees of the faces of the maps. Here we show how to achieve this for bipartite maps with bounded face degrees. By combining equations from the KP hierarchy and from the Virasoro constraints, a differentially algebraic system is obtained. It couples the generating functions of bipartite maps with bounded root face degrees while controlling the numbers of edges, black vertices, white vertices and number of faces of each degree (and in particular the genus). Finally, this system of ODEs is shown to give recurrence formulas that allows to calculate all the corresponding numbers of maps.

math.CO↗
arXiv2025

Path operators and $(q,t)$-tau functions

We construct a new class of operators that act on symmetric functions with two deformation parameters $q$ and $t$. Our combinatorial construction associates each operator with a specific lattice path, whose steps alternate between moving up and down. We demonstrate that positive linear combinations of these operators are the images of Negut elements via a representation of the shuffle algebra acting on the space of symmetric functions. Additionally, we provide a monomial, elementary, and Schur symmetric function expansion for the symmetric function obtained through repeated applications of the path operators on $1$. We apply path operators to investigate a $(q,t)$-deformation of the classical hypergeometric tau functions, which generalizes several important series already present in enumerative geometry, gauge theory, and integrability. We prove that this function is uniquely characterized by a family of partial differential equations derived from a positive linear combination of path operators. We also use our operators to offer a new, independent proof of the key result in establishing the extended delta conjecture of Haglund, Remmel, and Wilson.

math.CO↗
arXiv2024

2d Ising Critical Couplings from Quantum Gravity

Using an exact holographic duality formula between the inhomogeneous 2d Ising model and 3d quantum gravity, we provide a formula for "real" zeroes of the 2d Ising partition function on finite trivalent graphs in terms of the geometry of a 2d triangulation embedded in the three-dimensional Euclidean space. The complex phase of those zeroes is given by the dihedral angles of the triangulation, which reflect its extrinsic curvature within the ambient 3d space, while the modulus is given by the angles within the 2d triangles, thus encoding the intrinsic geometry of the triangulation. Our formula can not cover the whole set of Ising zeroes, but we conjecture that a suitable complexification of these "real" zeroes would provide a more thorough formula. Nevertheless, in the thermodynamic limit, in the case of flat planar 2d triangulations, our Ising zeros' formula gives the critical couplings for isoradial graphs, confirming its generality. Finally, the formula naturally extends to graphs with arbitrary valence in terms of geometry of circle patterns embedded in 3d space. This approach shows an intricate, but precise, new relation between statistical mechanics and quantum geometry.

hep-th↗
arXiv2023

Constraints for $b$-deformed constellations

Hurwitz numbers count branched covers of the sphere and have been of interest in various fields of mathematics. Motivated by the Matching-Jack conjecture of Goulden and Jackson, Chapuy and Do\l\k{e}ga recently introduced a notion of $b$-deformed double weighted Hurwitz numbers. It equips orientable and non-orientable maps and constellations with $b$-weights defined inductively. It is then unclear whether some elementary properties of orientable maps remain true due to the nature of the $b$-weights. We consider here the case of the Virasoro constraints, which express that choosing a corner is equivalent to rooting in terms of generating functions. We prove this property for two families of $b$-deformed Hurwitz numbers, namely 3-constellations and bipartite maps with black vertices of degrees bounded by 3. The proof is built upon functional equations from Chapuy and Do\l\k{e}ga and a lemma which extracts the constraints provided they close in some appropriate sense for the commutator. This requires to calculate the constraint algebra which in those two families do not form a Lie algebra but a generalization of independent interest with structure operators instead of structure constants.

math.CO↗
arXiv2022

Some structural and enumerative aspects of discrete surfaces and PL-manifolds

This manuscript recounts some of the author's contributions to algebraic and enumerative combinatorics. We have focused on two types of generalizations of bipartite maps, which are bipartite graphs embedded on surfaces. Maps are known to appear in many areas of theoretical physics and discrete mathematics, but one key interest for fundamental computer science is how multi-facetted they are in the sense that multiple encodings exist which are not interchangeable, like Tutte's/loop equations, the topological recursion, the KP hierarchy and numerous bijections which made the field so rich. One generalization we considered is weighted Hurwitz numbers, including constellations, monotone Hurwitz numbers and the unoriented versions of Chapuy-Do\l\k{e}ga. We have investigated whether some universal structures of maps lift to weighted Hurwitz numbers, such that the topological recursion (it does, for oriented, double, weighted Hurwitz numbers), and the passage from the KP to the BKP hierarchy for some unoriented weighted Hurwitz numbers (like monotone ones). The other generalization of bipartite maps we considered is colored triangulations in dimensions three and higher. They provide a nice meeting ground for topology and combinatorics, where universality classes above dimension 2 can be investigated. In particular, we found that the gluings of 3-balls which maximize the number of edges at fixed number of tetrahedra are in bijection with trees. In even dimensions however, we found that more universality classes can be reached depending on the choice of building blocks. We also wondered whether some of the universal structures featured by maps lift to higher dimensions. In particular, we proved instances of the scheme decomposition in three-dimensional models and maps decorated with crossing loops, and we proved the blobbed topological recursion with only mild assumptions.

math.CO↗
arXiv2022

Double scaling limit of multi-matrix models at large $D$

In this paper, we study a double scaling limit of two multi-matrix models: the $U(N)^2 \times O(D)$-invariant model with all quartic interactions and the bipartite $U(N) \times O(D)$-invariant model with tetrahedral interaction ($D$ being here the number of matrices and $N$ being the size of each matrix). Those models admit a double, large $N$ and large $D$ expansion. While $N$ tracks the genus of the Feynman graphs, $D$ tracks another quantity called the grade. In both models, we rewrite the sum over Feynman graphs at fixed genus and grade as a finite sum over combinatorial objects called schemes. This is a result of combinatorial nature which remains true in the quantum mechanical setting and in quantum field theory. Then we proceed to the double scaling limit at large $D$, i.e. for vanishing grade. In particular, we find that the most singular schemes, in both models, are the same as those found in Benedetti et al. for the $U(N)^2 \times O(D)$-invariant model restricted to its tetrahedral interaction. This is a different universality class than in the 1-matrix model whose double scaling is not summable.

hep-th↗
arXiv2022

Topological recursion for Orlov-Scherbin tau functions, and constellations with internal faces

We study the correlators $W_{g,n}$ arising from Orlov-Scherbin 2-Toda tau functions with rational content-weight $G(z)$, at arbitrary values of the two sets of time parameters. Combinatorially, they correspond to generating functions of weighted Hurwitz numbers and $(m,r)$-factorisations of permutations. When the weight function is polynomial, they are generating functions of constellations on surfaces in which two full sets of degrees (black/white) are entirely controlled, and in which internal faces are allowed in addition to boundaries. We give the spectral curve (the "disk" function $W_{0,1}$, and the "cylinder" function $W_{0,2}$) for this model, generalising Eynard's solution of the 2-matrix model which corresponds to $G(z)=1+z$, by the addition of arbitrarily many free parameters. Our method relies both on the Albenque-Bouttier combinatorial proof of Eynard's result by slice decompositions, which is strong enough to handle the polynomial case, and on algebraic arguments. Building on this, we establish the topological recursion (TR) for the model. Our proof relies on the fact that TR is already known at time zero (or, combinatorially, when the underlying graphs have only boundaries, and no internal faces) by work of Bychkov-Dunin-Barkowski-Kazarian-Shadrin (or Alexandrov-Chapuy-Eynard-Harnad for the polynomial case), and on the general idea of deformation of spectral curves due to Eynard and Orantin, which we make explicit in this case. As a result of TR, we obtain strong structure results for all fixed-genus generating functions.

math.CO↗
arXiv2022

Local Observables in $\operatorname{SU}_q(2)$ Lattice Gauge Theory

We consider a deformation of 3D lattice gauge theory in the canonical picture, first classically, based on the Heisenberg double of $\operatorname{SU}(2)$, then at the quantum level. We show that classical spinors can be used to define a fundamental set of local observables. They are invariant quantities which live on the vertices of the lattice and are labelled by pairs of incident edges. Any function on the classical phase space, e.g. Wilson loops, can be rewritten in terms of these observables. At the quantum level, we show that spinors become spinor operators. The quantization of the local observables then requires the use of the quantum $\mathcal{R}$-matrix which we prove to be equivalent to a specific parallel transport around the vertex. We provide the algebra of the local observables, as a Poisson algebra classically, then as a $q$-deformation of $\mathfrak{so}^*(2n)$ at the quantum level. This formalism can be relevant to any theory relying on lattice gauge theory techniques such as topological models, loop quantum gravity or of course lattice gauge theory itself.

hep-lat↗
arXiv2021

Spinor Representation of the Hamiltonian Constraint in 3D LQG with a Non-zero Cosmological Constant

We develop in a companion article the kinematics of three-dimensional loop quantum gravity in Euclidean signature and with a negative cosmological constant, focusing in particular on the spinorial representation which is well-known at zero cosmological constant. In this article, we put this formalism to the test by quantizing the Hamiltonian constraint on the dual of a triangulation. The Hamiltonian constraints are obtained by projecting the flatness constraints onto spinors, as done in the flat case by the first author and Livine. Quantization then relies on $q$-deformed spinors. The quantum Hamiltonian constraint acts in the $q$-deformed spin network basis as difference equations on physical states, which are thus the Wheeler-DeWitt equations in this framework. Moreover, we study how physical states transform under Pachner moves of the canonical surface. We find that those transformations are in fact $q$-deformations of the transition amplitudes of the flat case as found by Noui and Perez. Our quantum Hamiltonian constraints therefore build a Turaev-Viro model at real $q$.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2021

Enumeration of non-oriented maps via integrability

In this note, we examine how the BKP structure of the generating series of several models of maps on non-oriented surfaces can be used to obtain explicit and/or efficient recurrence formulas for their enumeration according to the genus and size parameters. Using techniques already known in the orientable case (elimination of variables via Virasoro constraints or Tutte equations), we naturally obtain recurrence formulas with non-polynomial coefficients. This non-polynomiality reflects the presence of shifts of the charge parameter in the BKP equation. Nevertheless, we show that it is possible to obtain non-shifted versions, meaning pure ODEs for the associated generating functions, from which recurrence relations with polynomial coefficients can be extracted. We treat the cases of triangulations, general maps, and bipartite maps. These recurrences with polynomial coefficients are conceptually interesting but bigger to write than those with non-polynomial coefficients. However they are relatively nice-looking in the case of one-face maps. In particular we show that Ledoux's recurrence for non-oriented one-face maps can be recovered in this way, and we obtain the analogous statement for the (bivariate) bipartite case.

math.CO↗
arXiv2021

Double scaling limit for the $O(N)^3$-invariant tensor model

We study the double scaling limit of the $O(N)^3$-invariant tensor model, initially introduced in Carrozza and Tanasa, Lett. Math. Phys. (2016). This model has an interacting part containing two types of quartic invariants, the tetrahedric and the pillow one. For the 2-point function, we rewrite the sum over Feynman graphs at each order in the $1/N$ expansion as a \emph{finite} sum, where the summand is a function of the generating series of melons and chains (a.k.a. ladders). The graphs which are the most singular in the continuum limit are characterized at each order in the $1/N$ expansion. This leads to a double scaling limit which picks up contributions from all orders in the $1/N$ expansion. In contrast with matrix models, but similarly to previous double scaling limits in tensor models, this double scaling limit is summable. The tools used in order to prove our results are combinatorial, namely a thorough diagrammatic analysis of Feynman graphs, as well as an analysis of the singularities of the relevant generating series.

hep-th↗
arXiv2021

$b$-monotone Hurwitz numbers: Virasoro constraints, BKP hierarchy, and $O(N)$-BGW integral

We study a $b$-deformation of monotone Hurwitz numbers, obtained by deforming Schur functions into Jack symmetric functions. We give an evolution equation for this model and derive from it Virasoro constraints, thereby proving a conjecture of F\'eray on Jack characters. A combinatorial model of non-oriented monotone Hurwitz maps which generalizes monotone transposition factorizations is provided. In the case $b=1$ we obtain an explicit Schur expansion of the model and show that it obeys the BKP integrable hierarchy. This Schur expansion also proves a conjecture of Oliveira--Novaes relating zonal polynomials with irreducible representations of $O(N)$. We also relate the model to an $O(N)$ version of the Br\'ezin--Gross--Witten integral, which we solve explicitly in terms of Pfaffians in the case of even multiplicities.

math.CO↗
arXiv2020

Blobbed topological recursion for correlation functions in tensor models

Tensor models are generalizations of matrix models and as such, it is a natural question to ask whether they satisfy some form of the topological recursion. The world of unitary-invariant observables is however much richer in tensor models than in matrix models. It is therefore a priori unclear which set of observables could satisfy the topological recursion. Such a set of observables was identified a few years ago in the context of the quartic melonic model by the first author and Dartois. It was shown to satisfy an extension of the topological recursion introduced by Borot and called the blobbed topological recursion. Here we show that this set of observables is present in arbitrary tensor models which have non-vanishing couplings for the quartic melonic interactions. It satisfies the blobbed topological recursion in a universal way, i.e. independently of the choices of the other interactions. In combinatorial terms, the correlation functions describe stuffed maps with colored boundary components. The specifics of the model only appear in the generating functions of the stuffings and the blobbed topological recursion only requires them to have well-defined $1/N$ expansions. The spectral curve is a disjoint union of Gaussian spectral curves, with the cylinder function receiving an additional holomorphic part. This result is achieved via a perturbative rewriting of tensor models as multi-matrix models due to the first author, Lionni and Rivasseau. It is then possible to formally integrate all degrees of freedom except those which enter the topological recursion, meaning interpreting the Feynman graphs as stuffed maps. We further provide new expressions to relate the expectations of $U(N)^d$-invariant observables on the tensor and matrix sides.

hep-th↗
arXiv2019

Another proof of the $1/N$ expansion of the rank three tensor model with tetrahedral interaction

The rank three tensor model with tetrahedral interaction was shown by Carrozza and Tanasa to admit a $1/N$ expansion, dominated by melonic diagrams, and double tadpoles decorated with melons at next-to-leading order. This model has generated a renewed interest in tensor models because it has the same large $N$ limit as the SYK model. In contrast with matrix models, there is no method which would be able to prove the existence of $1/N$ expansions in arbitrary tensor models. The method used by Carrozza and Tanasa proves the existence of the $1/N$ expansion using two-dimensional topology, before identifying the leading order and next-to-leading graphs. However, another method was required for complex, rank three tensor models with planar interactions, which is based on flips. The latter are moves which cut two propagators of Feynman graphs and reglue them differently. They allow transforming graphs while tracking their orders in the $1/N$ expansion. Here we use this method to re-prove the results of Carrozza and Tanasa, thereby proving the existence of the $1/N$ expansion, the melonic dominance at leading order and the melon-decorated double tadpoles at next-to-leading order, all in one go.

math-ph↗
arXiv2019

Tensor models with generalized melonic interactions

Tensor models are natural generalizations of matrix models. The interactions and observables in the case of unitary invariant models are generalizations of matrix traces. Some notable interactions in the literature include the melonic ones, the tetrahedral one as well as the planar ones in rank three, or necklaces in even ranks. Here we introduce generalized melonic interactions which generalize the melonic and necklace interactions. We characterize them as tree-like gluings of quartic interactions. We also completely characterize the Feynman graphs which contribute to the large $N$ limit. For a subclass of generalized melonic interactions called totally unbalanced interactions, we prove that the large $N$ limit is Gaussian and therefore the Feynman graphs are in bijection with trees. This result further extends the class of tensor models which fall into the Gaussian universality class. Another key aspect of tensor models with generalized melonic interactions is that they can be written as matrix models without increasing the number of degrees of freedom of the original tensor models. In the case of totally unbalanced interactions, this new matrix model formulation in fact decreases the number of degrees of freedom, meaning that some of the original degrees of freedom are effectively integrated. We then show how the large $N$ Gaussian behavior can be reproduced using a saddle point analysis on those matrix models.

math-ph↗
arXiv2019

Self-duality of the 6j-symbol and Fisher zeros for the Tetrahedron

The relation between the 2d Ising partition function and spin network evaluations, reflecting a bulk-boundary duality between the 2d Ising model and 3d quantum gravity, promises an exchange of results and methods between statistical physics and quantum geometry. We apply this relation to the case of the tetrahedral graph. First, we find that the high/low temperature duality of the 2d Ising model translates into a new self-duality formula for Wigner's 6j-symbol from the theory of spin recoupling. Second, we focus on the duality between the large spin asymptotics of the 6j-symbol and Fisher zeros. Using the Ponzano-Regge formula for the asymptotics for the 6j-symbol at large spins in terms of the tetrahedron geometry, we obtain a geometric formula for the zeros of the (inhomogeneous) Ising partition function in terms of triangle angles and dihedral angles in the tetrahedron. While it is well-known that the 2d intrinsic geometry can be used to parametrize the critical point of the Ising model, e.g. on isoradial graphs, it is the first time to our knowledge that the extrinsic geometry is found to also be relevant.This outlines a method towards a more general geometric parametrization of the Fisher zeros for the 2d Ising model on arbitrary graphs.

math-ph↗
arXiv2018

Maximizing the number of edges in three-dimensional colored triangulations whose building blocks are balls

Colored triangulations offer a generalization of combinatorial maps to higher dimensions. Just like maps are gluings of polygons, colored triangulations are built as gluings of special, higher-dimensional building blocks, such as octahedra, which we call colored building blocks and known in the dual as bubbles. A colored building block is determined by its boundary triangulation, which in the case of polygons is simply characterized by its length. In three dimensions, colored building blocks are labeled by some 2D triangulations and those homeomorphic to the 3-ball are labeled by the subset of planar ones. Similarly to Euler's formula in 2D which provides an upper bound to the number of vertices at fixed number of polygons with given lengths, we look in three dimensions for an upper bound on the number of edges at fixed number of given colored building blocks. In this article we solve this problem when all colored building blocks, except possibly one, are homeomorphic to the 3-ball. To do this, we find a characterization of the way a colored building block homeomorphic to the ball has to be glued to other blocks of arbitrary topology in a colored triangulation which maximizes the number of edges. This local characterization can be extended to the whole triangulation as long as there is at most one colored building block which is not a 3-ball. The triangulations obtained this way are in bijection with trees. The number of edges is given as an independent sum over the building blocks of such a triangulation. In the case of all colored building blocks being homeomorphic to the 3-ball, we show that these triangulations are homeomorphic to the 3-sphere. Those results were only known for the octahedron and for melonic building blocks before. This article is self-contained and can be used as an introduction to colored triangulations and their bubbles from a purely combinatorial point of view.

math.CO↗