Matrix Quantum Mechanics

and the S 1 /Z2 orbifold

Panagiotis Betzios
University of Crete, CCTP

Work in collaboration with U. Gürsoy and O. Papadoulaki

arXiv:1612.04792v3

Universidade de Lisboa

December 24, 2018

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Motivation: Singularities in string theory

• Is it possible to understand (resolve) spacelike cosmological singularities

in string theory?
• Is there a set of possible consistent initial conditions of some model of
the Universe?
• What happens to spacetime as one approaches the singularity? Are there
any more fundamental physical notions behind space and time?
• Many works in the past related to these fundamental problems but no
conclusive answer...

We will be much more modest and try to ask a fraction of these deep
questions in the toy model of 2D string theory/c = 1 Matrix Quantum
Mechanics where concrete calculations are possible

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Reasonable motivation: Toy model of a Bang-Crunch Universe
• Our goal is to model a 2D Big Bang - Big Crunch universe using Matrix
Quantum Mechanics of time dependent matrices M (t).

• One can relate Matrix Quantum Mechanics (MQM) to 2D string theory.

We will soon describe the emergence of an extra spacelike dimension φ
through the eigenvalues of the Matrix.

• We will study an S 1 /Z2 orbifold of Euclidean time and discuss the

prospects of analytically continuing time to Lorentzian.

πR 0
πR 0

• In string theory we get extra twisted states at the orbifold fixed points.
These might be related to the states at the Big-Bang and Big-Crunch
singularities of the 2D toy universe.
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What is Matrix Quantum Mechanics
Klebanov[9108019v2]

• MQM (gauged) is a 0 + 1 dimensional quantum mechanical theory of

N × N Hermitian matrices M (t) and a non dynamical gauge field A(t).
• The Path Integral is:
Z  Z tf  
1 2 1 κ
e−iW = DM DA exp −iN dtTr (Dt M ) + M 2 − M 3 + ...
tin 2 2 3!

• One can diagonalise M by a unitary transformation

M (t) = U (t)Λ(t)U † (t) where Λ(t) is diagonal and U (t) unitary.
• One then picks up a Jacobian from the path integral measure (∀t)

N
Y Y
DM = DU dλi ∆2 (Λ), ∆(Λ) = (λi − λj )
i=1 i<j

• This Vandermonde determinant will make the wavefunctions fermionic.

• We will return to the Path Integral in a while, let us now discuss the
Hamiltonian picture.
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Fermionic Well
• The Hamiltonian is:
1 d 2 d X Πij Πji
H=− 2
∆ (λ) + + V (λi ) ,
2∆ (λ) dλi dλi i<j (λi − λj )2

Set the gauge field to zero - impose the gauss-law constraint

δS/δA = [M, Ṁ ] = 0 (singlet sector projection). Constraint ⇒ Πij = 0
on physical states (momenta of U (N ) rotations)
√
• Upon rescaling λ → N
κ λand redefining the wavefunction as
Ψ̃(λ) ≡ ∆(λ)Ψ(λ), one finds:
√ !
1 d2 1 2 ~ 3 N
− 2 − λi + λi + ... Ψ̃(λ) = ~−1 E Ψ̃(λ), ~−1 = 2
2 dλi 2 3! κ
• This describes N non interacting fermions in the potential V (λ).

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Fermionic Well
• The Hamiltonian is:
1 d 2 d X Πij Πji
H=− 2
∆ (λ) + + V (λi ) ,
2∆ (λ) dλi dλi i<j (λi − λj )2

Set the gauge field to zero - impose the gauss-law constraint

δS/δA = [M, Ṁ ] = 0 (singlet sector projection). Constraint ⇒ Πij = 0
on physical states (momenta of U (N ) rotations)
√
• Upon rescaling λ → N
κ λ
and redefining the wavefunction as
Ψ̃(λ) ≡ ∆(λ)Ψ(λ), one finds:
√ !
1 d2 1 2 ~ 3 N
− 2 − λi + λi + ... Ψ̃(λ) = ~−1 E Ψ̃(λ), ~−1 = 2
2 dλi 2 3! κ
• This describes N non interacting fermions in the potential V (λ).
V
◦ The energy spacing is ∼ ~. We put the system
in a chemical potential µ. ~ → 0 together with
µ → 0 is a WKB limit where only the quadratic
EF λ
tip matters. Then ρ(µ) ∼ − log µ, the dos
develops a logarithmic divergence.
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Connection with string theory
The connection with string theory is through this double scaling limit
[Kazakov, Migdal...]. This is not the usual ’t Hooft limit.

• The double scaling limit produces

smooth surfaces out of the Matrix
fat-graphs while at the same time
keeping all higher genera. It is
defined by ~, µ → 0 as we discussed,
−1
while keeping µ~ = gst fixed.
• The particular string theory is called c = 1 Liouville theory. It can be
interpreted as a 2D critical string theory in a linear dilaton background
with a time direction t and a space direction φ.

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Connection with string theory
The connection with string theory is through this double scaling limit
[Kazakov, Migdal...]. This is not the usual ’t Hooft limit.

• The double scaling limit produces

smooth surfaces out of the Matrix
fat-graphs while at the same time
keeping all higher genera. It is
defined by ~, µ → 0 as we discussed,
−1
while keeping µ~ = gst fixed.
• The particular string theory is called c = 1 Liouville theory. It can be
interpreted as a 2D critical string theory in a linear dilaton background
with a time direction t and a space direction φ.
• MQM also describes the dynamics of D0 branes whose excitations are a
"Tachyon" and a 1-d gauge field (open-closed string duality). [McGreevy,
Verlinde]

• The double scaling limit is the "analogue" of the Maldacena decoupling

limit of AdS/CFT. The matrix eigenvalues λ are related with the
coordinate φ with a complicated non-local transform. [Seiberg]
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Liouville theory
• The Liouville theory worldsheet action is [David, Distler, Kawai]
Z
1 p h i
SCF T = d2 σ ĥ ĥab (∂a X µ ∂b Xµ + ∂a φ∂b φ) + QR̂φ + µeγφ +ghosts
4π

• Contrast with the arbitrary background sigma model

1
Z √ 
d2 σ h hab ∂a X µ ∂b X ν Gµν (X) + ΛT (X) + RΦ(X)

S=
4π
• By comparing them we identify

Gµν = ηµν , Φ = 2φ, ΛT (φ) = µeγφ

If we now consider X 0 = t, X 1 = φ the two coordinates we describe an
exact CFT with two target space dimensions.
• In Liouville theory one can compute the torus contribution to the
partition function as well as some correlation functions and scattering
amplitudes at tree level (on the linear dilaton target space background).
The matrix model has been shown to agree and surpass these results,
since an all genera result is available.
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S 1 /Z2 - Liouville computation
We will now discuss the torus partition function computed from Liouville.
• The modular partition function has the following form:
     
1  η (τ )   η (τ )   η (τ ) 
Zorb (R, τ ) = Zcir (R, τ ) +  + + 
2 θ00 (0, τ )   θ01 (0, τ )   θ10 (0, τ ) 
• The full torus partition function comes from coupling the above with the
ghost and the Liouville modes and integrating over the torus moduli
!
4  √ −1
|η (τ )|
Z
Vφ 2 2
Zorb (R) = d τ 2π 2τ2 |η (τ )| Zorb (R, τ )
2 2τ2

• Performing the integration one gets:

 
1 1 1
Zorb (R) = Zcirc (R) + C, Zcirc (R) = − R+ log µ
2 24 R
• Using the fact that Zorb (R = 1, τ ) = Zcir (R = 2, τ ) [Ginsparg], we
finally get  
1 1 1
Zorb =− R+ log µ − log µ
48 R 16
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S 1 /Z2 - MQM
• To implement orbifolding on the matrix model we gauge the Z2 reflection
symmetry t ↔ −t by combining it with a Z2 subgroup of the gauge
group [Ramgoolam, Waldram, Gursoy, Liu]:
 
−1n×n 0 N
Ω= ∗ with, ∗f (t) = f (−t)∗, 0 ≤ n ≤
0 1(N −n)×(N −n) 2

and then requiring:

ΩA(t)Ω−1 = −A(t), ΩM (t)Ω−1 = M (t)

• This naturally splits the matrices into (even/odd) blocks under t → −t

that satisfy different boundary conditions.
   
even odd odd even
M (t) = A(t) =
odd even even odd

• The breaking U (N ) → U (n) × U (N − n), will lead to two separate sets

of n and N − n fermions.
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MQM Path Integral
We will now study MQM in an inverted harmonic oscillator (H.O.) potential
that captures the universal physics in the double scaling limit.
• The (Euclidean) propagator for a matrix harmonic oscillator is
 N 2 /2
ω ω 2
+TrM 02 ) cosh ωβ−2TrM M 0 ]
0
hM , β|M, 0i = e− 2 sinh ωβ [(TrM
2π sinh ωβ
• One can also show that
Z M 0 (β) Rβ Z
− dτ Tr 12 (Dτ M )2 −V (M )
DADM e 0 = DU hU M 0 U † , β|M, 0i
M (0) U (N )

• This is useful because one can use the Harish-Chandra-Itzykson-Zuber

integral
N −1 0
det egλi λj
Z
− 12 N (N −1)
Y
0 †


DU exp gTrM U M U = (p!) g
U (N ) n=1
∆(λ)∆(λ0 )

• This will help us to reduce the path integral to eigenvalues (N 2 → N

dofs)
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Cases
We define K N (λi ; λ0j , β) = hλ0j , β|λi , 0i the oscillator propagator between
the N eigenvalues.
• S 1 partition function (M 0 (β) = M (0))
Z N
Z Y
† 1
Z= DM (0)DU hU M (0)U |M (0)i = dλi det K N (λi ; λj )
N! i=1

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Cases
We define K N (λi ; λ0j , β) = hλ0j , β|λi , 0i the oscillator propagator between
the N eigenvalues.
• S 1 partition function (M 0 (β) = M (0))
Z N
Z Y
† 1
Z= DM (0)DU hU M (0)U |M (0)i = dλi det K N (λi ; λj )
N! i=1

Qn
• Orbifold for generic n (where i=1 dxi ≡ dn x, x = (x, y))

∆(x0 )∆(y 0 )
Z
∆(x)∆(y)
Z∼ dn xdN −n ydn x0 dN −n y 0 Q det K(xi ; x0j ) Q 0 0
i,j (xi − yj ) i,j (xi − yj )

• It is easy to see that we get two kinds of fermions (with qi = ±1 charge -

or spin).
• This structure admits a natural analytic continuation to a transition
amplitude
Z
dxdx0 Ψout (x0 ) det hx0j ; T |xi i Ψin (x)
 
hΨout ; T |Ψin i =
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Orbifold Partition function
n = N/2 is special!

− λj )qi qj have arisen in studies of

Q
• Wavefunctions of the form i,j (λi
Quiver/Super Matrix Models. [Dijkgraaf, Vafa, Kostov..]
• The most special case is n = N/2 (regular rep). The wavefunctions are
square integrable as λi → ∞ in this case. (Zero -charge condition of the
1-d Coulomb gas).
• A survey of c = 1 CFT’s shows that the orbifold CFT is related to the
critical Ashkin-Teller model. [Ginsparg, Verlinde2 ...] The theory at
radius mRsd has a D̂m symmetry.
• The breaking of U (N ) → U (N/2) × U (N/2) at the end points is also
encountered in studies of D̂m quiver matrix models. [Kostov, Moriyama..]
x U(N) x'

U(2N)

y U(N) y'

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S 1 /Z2 and D̂ quiver
• This leads to interesting ideas related to deconstruction. [Vafa,
Arkani-Hamed..] One can describe c = 1 Liouville theory at multiples of
the self-dual radius by using the appropriate Quiver-matrix model, here
the natural candidate is an affine D̂m matrix model.
• Our description is implementing the same symmetry breaking
(U (N ) → U (N/2) × U (N/2)) at the end-points and holds for arbitrary
radius.

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S 1 /Z2 and D̂ quiver
• This leads to interesting ideas related to deconstruction. [Vafa,
Arkani-Hamed..] One can describe c = 1 Liouville theory at multiples of
the self-dual radius by using the appropriate Quiver-matrix model, here
the natural candidate is an affine D̂m matrix model.
• Our description is implementing the same symmetry breaking
(U (N ) → U (N/2) × U (N/2)) at the end-points and holds for arbitrary
radius.

Equations approaching...

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Orbifold Partition function
Matrix models defined on the Âm quiver: Integrand is a determinant.
[Marino..]
Matrix models defined on the D̂m quiver: Integrand is a Pfaffian.
[Moriyama..]

Taking inspiration of this we use the Cauchy identity

Q Q
i<j (xi − xj ) i<j (yi − yj ) 1
Q = det ,
i,j (x i − y j ) x i − yj

then
    !
K n (xi , x0j ) K n (xi , yj0 )
Z
n n 0 1 1
Z∼ d xd x det det det
n×n xi − yj 2n×2n K n (yi , x0j ) K n (yi , yj0 ) n×n x0i − yj0

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Orbifold Partition function
Matrix models defined on the Âm quiver: Integrand is a determinant.
[Marino..]
Matrix models defined on the D̂m quiver: Integrand is a Pfaffian.
[Moriyama..]

Taking inspiration of this we use the Cauchy identity

Q Q
i<j (xi − xj ) i<j (yi − yj ) 1
Q = det ,
i,j (x i − y j ) x i − yj

then
    !
K n (xi , x0j ) K n (xi , yj0 )
Z
n n 0 1 1
Z∼ d xd x det det det
n×n xi − yj 2n×2n K n (yi , x0j ) K n (yi , yj0 ) n×n x0i − yj0
Now integrate over (y, y 0 ) using the following lemma [Andreief, Moriyama]:
Z Y n  
1
dxk · det (φi (xk ))1≤i≤n+r (ζiq )1≤i≤n+r · det(ψj (xk ))1≤j,k≤n
n! 1≤k≤n 1≤q≤r
k=1
  Z
= det (mij )1≤i≤n+r (ζiq )1≤i≤n+r , mij = dxφi (x)ψj (x).
1≤j≤n 1≤q≤r
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Orbifold Partition function
We obtain
K(xi , x0j ) (K • N )(xi , x0j )
Z  
n n n 0
Z ∼ (−1) d xd x det ,
(M • K)(xi , x0j ) (M • K • N )(xi , x0j )
where • stands for either the y integration or the y 0 integration distinguished
by M (xi , y) = xi1−y , N (y 0 , x0j ) = y0 −x
1
0 .
j

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Orbifold Partition function
We obtain
K(xi , x0j ) (K • N )(xi , x0j )
Z  
n n n 0
Z ∼ (−1) d xd x det ,
(M • K)(xi , x0j ) (M • K • N )(xi , x0j )
where • stands for either the y integration or the y 0 integration distinguished
by M (xi , y) = xi1−y , N (y 0 , x0j ) = y0 −x
1
0 .
j
To perform the x0 integrations one uses a formula by de Bruijn
Z N
d x   1
det (φa (xi ))1≤a≤2N (ψa (xi ))1≤a≤2N = (−1) 2 (N −1)N pf Pab ,
N! 1≤i≤N 1≤i≤N
R
with Pab = dx(φa (x)ψb (x) − φb (x)ψa (x)) skew symmetric, to get

Z  
1 P11 P12
Z ∼ (−1)n+ 2 (n−1)n dn x pf P, P = ,
P21 P22

P11 = −(K ◦ N • K + K • N ◦ K), P12 = (K ◦ N • K + K • N ◦ K) • M,

P21 = −M • (K ◦ N • K + K • N ◦ K), P22 = M • (K ◦ N • K + K • N ◦ K) • M.

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Grand-Canonical ensemble
Introduce the chemical potential µ (to perform the double scaling).

The Grand Free Energy is (Borodin, Ishikawa)

∞
dn x
Z q
1
X
eJo (β,µ) = zn (−1) 2 (n−1)n pf P = pf(Ω + z P̂ ) =


det I − z ρ̂ ,
n=0
n!
   
0 I I 0
with Ω = , I= , ρ̂ = Ω P̂ , z = −eβµ .
−I 0 0 I
On the right-hand we have simultaneously the 2 × 2 and Fredholm
determinant of the kernel ρ̂.
It is instructive to compare this result with the one obtained for the circle
which is just a Fredholm determinant of the H.O. propagator as kernel
  Y∞  
1
eJc (β,µ) = det I + z K̂ = 1 + zq n+ 2
n=0

with q = e−βω and K̂ = e−β Ĥ .

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Kernel
1
Let us analyse the kernel. If we define the bi-local operator hx|Ô|yi = x−y
the kernel is written as
!
−β 2 Ĥ −β
2 Ĥ Ô
2 − Ôe Ôe
ρ̂ = M̂RH , M̂RH = β β ,
e− 2 Ĥ −e− 2 Ĥ Ô
P∞ 1 √ √
Using the Mehler resolution hx|e−β Ĥ |x0 i = n=0 q n+ 2 ψn ( ωx)ψn? ( ωx0 )
with√ √
ω 2
ψn ( ωx) = N e− 2 x Hn ( ωx) and Hn the Hermite polynomials, we find
that (principal value prescription)
Z ∞
ψn (y)
hx|Ô|ψn i = P dy
−∞ x−y

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Kernel
1
Let us analyse the kernel. If we define the bi-local operator hx|Ô|yi = x−y
the kernel is written as
!
−β 2 Ĥ −β
2 Ĥ Ô
2 − Ôe Ôe
ρ̂ = M̂RH , M̂RH = β β ,
e− 2 Ĥ −e− 2 Ĥ Ô
P∞ 1 √ √
Using the Mehler resolution hx|e−β Ĥ |x0 i = n=0 q n+ 2 ψn ( ωx)ψn? ( ωx0 )
with√ √
ω 2
ψn ( ωx) = N e− 2 x Hn ( ωx) and Hn the Hermite polynomials, we find
that (principal value prescription)
Z ∞
ψn (y)
hx|Ô|ψn i = P dy
−∞ x−y

• The effect of the bi-local operator acting at the endpoints is a

Hilbert-transform of the H.O. wavefunctions. O relates odd with even
modes in the energy basis and therefore mixes the energy eigenstates.
• One should also remember that we need to discuss the inverted H.O.
This has the effect of turning Hermite polynomials into Parabolic cylinder
functions.
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Alternative description
There is an alternative description of the PF ⇒ sanity check.
• Diagonalise U and integrate out M ’s in the previous expression
Z Z
Z= DM DM 0 DU hU M 0 U † , β|M, 0i = DU I(U )

• We define A = 1/ tanh(ωβ), B = 1/ sinh(ωβ), and remember to use

blocks for the matrices after orbifolding we get
 
− 12 (N −2n)2

2
B N /2 U1 U12
dM1 dM2 dM10 dM20 eT ,
R
I(U ) = ω 2π U= ,
U21 U2
T = − A2 tr(M12 + M12 0 ) + Btr(M1 U1 M10 U1† + M1 U12 M20 U12
†
) + (1 ↔ 2).

• The U 0 s are complex but can be diagonalised by bi-unitary

transformations that leave the measure invariant.
 
δij cos θi −δij sin θi
U= , 0 ≤ θi ≤ π2 ,
δij sin θi δij cos θi
(or just exponentiate the zero mode of the gauge field!).
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Orbifold Partition function
In terms of angles
Integrate out M ’s, to find
2 n  n 
  (N −2n) N −2n Y  21
B B2 B4
2
Y
I =
ω 1 + B 2 sin2 θi (1 + B2 sin2 (θ i + θj )(1 + B 2 sin2 (θi − θj )
i i,j

The measure for DU can be found by defining the metric on the tangent
space of the group ds2 = tr(U dU † U dU † ) and then computing its
determinant to get
n
Y n
Y
J= sin2 (θi − θj ) sin2 (θi + θj ) sin 2θi sin2(N −2n) θi
i<j i=1

This is the measure on a coset symmetric space (Cartan Class AIII)

The special n = N2 gives
Z n
πY Y  12
1 1
Zn = dθi J .
n! 0 i i,j
(cosh β − cos(θi + θj )(cosh β + cos(θi − θj )

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Schur’s Pfaffian
To proceed, one unfolds the denominator using for example
1 q
∼ , q = e−ωβ , xi = eiθi
cosh β − cos(θi + θj ) (1 − qxi xj )(1 − qx∗i x∗j )
and similarly the measure
n
Y n
Y
J= (xi − xj )(xi − x∗j )(x∗i − xj )(x∗i − x∗j ) (xk − x∗k )
i<j k

Then one uses Schur’s Pfaffian identity

  2n
xi − xj Y xi − xj
pf =
1 − xi xj 1≤i,j≤2n i<j
1 − xi xj

to compactly write
q 1/2 (xi −xj ) q 1/2 (xi −x∗
 
Z π n n j)
1 Y Y 1 1−qxi xj 1−qxi x∗
Zn = dθk pf  q 1/2 (x∗
j
∗

q 1/2 (x∗ i −xj )
p
n! 0 (cosh(β) − cos(2θk )) i −xj )
k=1 k=1 1−qx∗ x ∗
1−qxi xj∗
i j

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The Kernel in the new variables
p
We can again pass to the grand canonical ensemble e−Jo = det(1 + z ρ̂).
• It is useful to write the action of ρ̂ to functions X(θ).
π
ρ11 (θ, θ0 ) ρ11 (θ, −θ0 ) X1 (θ0 )
  Z   
X1
ρ̂ (θ) = dµ(θ0 )
X2 0 −ρ11 (−θ, θ0 ) −ρ11 (−θ, −θ0 ) X2 (θ0 )
1 1
ρ11 (θ, θ0 ) = −1/2 iθ 0 + ,
q e −q e 1/2 iθ 1/2
q e −iθ − q −1/2 e−iθ0
qdθ 0
and dµ(θ0 ) = √ .
(1−qei2θ0 )(1−qe−i2θ0 )

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The Kernel in the new variables
p
We can again pass to the grand canonical ensemble e−Jo = det(1 + z ρ̂).
• It is useful to write the action of ρ̂ to functions X(θ).
π
ρ11 (θ, θ0 ) ρ11 (θ, −θ0 ) X1 (θ0 )
  Z   
X1
ρ̂ (θ) = dµ(θ0 )
X2 0 −ρ11 (−θ, θ0 ) −ρ11 (−θ, −θ0 ) X2 (θ0 )
1 1
ρ11 (θ, θ0 ) = −1/2 iθ 0 + ,
q e −q e 1/2 iθ 1/2
q e −iθ − q −1/2 e−iθ0
qdθ 0
and dµ(θ0 ) = √ .
(1−qei2θ0 )(1−qe−i2θ0 )

• This measure can be thought of as arising from integrating out

fundamental degrees of freedom. The square root introduces branch cuts
0
in the complex x0 = eiθ plane.
• The integration is from 0 to π so that the matrix entries have support in
the lower/upper half plane.

Let us now compare this kernel with other cases in the literature.
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Comparison with the circle and 2d Black Hole
• For the S 1 the kernel is (x = eiθ )

dx0 f (x0 )
I
K̂S 1 [f ](x) = −
2πi q 1/2 x − q −1/2 x0
1
The eigenfunctions are polynomials xn with eigenvalues q n+ 2 .

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Comparison with the circle and 2d Black Hole
• For the S 1 the kernel is (x = eiθ )

dx0 f (x0 )
I
K̂S 1 [f ](x) = −
2πi q 1/2 x − q −1/2 x0
1
The eigenfunctions are polynomials xn with eigenvalues q n+ 2 .
• The 2d BH was described as a correlator of two Polyakov lines/winding
modes that induce vortex perturbations (tr(U n ) = einθ = xn ) [Kazakov,
Kostov, Kutasov]
0
dx0 eu(x)+u(x )
I X
K̂BH [f ](x) = − f (x0 ), u(x) = tn xn
2πi q 1/2 x − q −1/2 x0
n6=0

and restricting to t1 , t−1 . Realise that the denominator is a free fermion

correlator
1 1 1
hψ(q 2 x)ψ(q − 2 x0 )i = 1 1
(q 2 x − q − 2 x0 )
and t±1 can be identified as Toda "times".
In this case the partition function is a τ function of the Toda Hierarchy.
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Properties of the kernel

• For the orbifold we can also write the action of the kernel

~
I
dx0 − P qn xn −P qn x−n √ √ 0 ~ 0
ρ̂[X](x) = e n 2n n 2n ρ( x, x )X(x )
πix0

• The measure can be thought of as containing Vortex perturbations with

tn = t−n = q n /2n, 1 ≤ n. (Kontsevich-Miwa like variables...)
• The matrix piece of the kernel contains terms of the form 1
1 √ 1 √ .
q− 2 x−q 2 x0

• To be able to identify a Hierarchy one should thus make contact with

fermionic correlators containing square-roots. The fermions are in the
background of a twist field creating ramification points! An elliptic curve
is emerging...
• We will now turn to a representation in terms of Jacobi-elliptic functions
that simplifies the problem a lot (Ising, Ashkin-Teller model...). [Baxter,
Zamolodchikov...]

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Elliptic parametrization
The measure is very
UHP1 LHP-1 UHP1
reminiscent of Elliptic
UHP-1
integrals. In fact in the
0
x0 = eiθ plane we find LHP1 UHP-1
LHP1
that the measure LHP-1

dµ(θ0 ) has branch

1 1
points at ±q − 2 , ±q 2 .
The domain is a two-sheeted Riemann surface.
0 1
• We make the elliptic substitution eiθ = q 2 sn(v, q) with sn, Jacobi’s
elliptic sine and q = k the elliptic modulus. The measure becomes
1
dµ(θ0 ) → −q 2 dv!
• Jacobi’s sine has a double periodicity sn(4mK + 2inK 0 + u) = sn(u).
The functions are now naturally defined on a torus.
• We are only left with the matrix piece of the kernel which is

ρ11 (u, v + iK 0 )
 
ρ11 (u, v)
ρ(u, v) = ,
−ρ11 (u + iK 0 , v) −ρ11 (u + iK 0 , v + iK 0 )
1−k sn u sn v
ρ11 (u, v) = sn u−k sn v
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The Torus
This is the mapping of the contour of integration.
Η Θ
K+iK' z= k1/2snu

III II III II
Β
Γ Β Α
K+iK'/2

IV I IV I
Δ Ε Ζ Η Γ Δ Ε Ζ Α Θ
-K 0 K -k -1/2 -1 -k 1/2 k
1/2
1 k
-1/2

The integral equation thus becomes

  Z −K+iK 0 /2  
X (u) 1 X (v)
λ X1 (u) = −k 2 dvρ(u, v) X1 (v)
2 2
K+iK 0 /2

One finds the following consistency condition X1 (u) + X2 (u − iK 0 ) = 0.

This gets rid of the matrix structure for a single equation.
−K+iK 0 /2 Z K−iK 0 /2 #
"Z
1
λX(u) = −k 2 + dvρ11 (u, v)X(v)
K+iK 0 /2 −K−iK 0 /2

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Results so far (arbitrary radius)
• We implemented orbifolding in the Matrix model and passed on to
grand-canonical ensemble with two independent methods. The physics is
encoded in an integral kernel.
• The trace of the kernel is found to be the same by both methods:
! Z
1 1
tr ρ̂ = arctan = d [ρHO () + ρtwisted ()] e−β
sinh β2 sinh β2

From this we have managed to read-off a density of states (for the

diagonal part of the kernel) that contains an untwisted and a twisted
piece.
• Non-trivial physics is encoded either in the Hilbert transform operators at
the end of time (which commute with the SL(2, R) transformations on
the eigenvalues), or in the branch-cuts/ torus monodromy (which has an
SL(2, Z) symmetry).
• Analytic continuation β → iT ⇒ Link between Euclidean and Lorentzian
description.
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Large radius results
• We have also managed to match the result for the twisted states
computed by Liouville theory
• This contribution can be isolated by considering the limit β → ∞. This
limit reduces the free energy to βF = βEground /2 + Θ, where the
β-independent constant piece Θ in this expression is the twisted state
contribution that arises from the wavefunctions at the end-points.
• For n = N/2 and the normal oscillator the radius independent term looks
like entropy
1 1
tr log −O2 = N log 2 ≈ tr log ρtwisted


Θ=
2 2
where O2 near the diagonal tends to
2 sin(π(n1 − n2 ))
O2 (n1 , n2 ) →
π(n1 − n2 )
(and is non zero only when n1 = n2 for n ∈ Z).
• This is the famous sine-kernel which is the analogue of the Dirac-δ for
time/frequency banded functions.
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Large radius results - Sine kernel
(Parabolic cylinder)

• We studied also the delta-function normalised even and odd parabolic

cylinder functions. The spectrum is now continuous.
• Using identities and integrals involving 1 F1 , 2 F1 we computed h1 |O|2 i
to get
1


sin 4 π(2− 1 )
O2 (1 , 2 ) = N (1 )N (2 ) .
1 − 2
• The different normalisation contributes non-perturbatively ∼ e−Aµ in the
1/µ expansion. Here we will be interested only for the asymptotic
expansion in gst ∼ 1/µ.
• The sine kernel is characteristic of the energy-level repulsion present in
the GUE ensemble. Chaotic properties?.
• p
For β → ∞ the partition function of the twisted states can be written as
det(1 − K sine )

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Sine kernel
• The Fredholm determinant of the sine kernel gives the universal level
spacing distribution of random matrices in the bulk of the spectrum.
 
det 1 − K (sine) |0−µ (1)

• The determinant we are after corresponds to the probability that all the
energy eigenvalues lie outside (−µ, 0) and thus form the Fermi sea.
• The determinant of this kernel can be calculated in a 1/µ expansion.
[Dyson ’76]
 
1 2 1 1 3 1
Θ=− µ − log µ + log 2 + ζ 0 (−1) + O .
32 16 48 4 µ2m

• The twisted state contribution to the torus level partition function

1
− 16 log µ matches precisely the world-sheet result.
• This is a non-trivial check of the duality we propose between the
n = N/2 representation of the orbifold matrix quantum mechanics and
the 2D non-critical string theory on S1 /Z2 .
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Directions
• Solve the integral equation for the spectrum/find exact partition function
to all genera for the orbifold.
• What do different n’s correspond to? non-perturbative physics to be
understood!
• Supersymmetric case (0B - 0A)?
• Connection with work on "negative branes" and supergroups? [Dijkgraaf,
Vafa]

• Is there any underlying integrable structure? (B-D types of hierarchies)

• Connect with target space physics. What is the initial state in collective
field theory language? (Fermi sea with folds?)
• What is the form of the semi-classical metric near the end-points in time?
Role of SL(2, R) symmetry?
• Analytic continuation of the result in time? Correlators, S-Matrix?

• T-duality? It relates the universe with the black hole ( SL(2,R)

U (1) coset)
[Kiritsis, Giveon, Porrati, Rabinovichi]

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 Obrigado !

Eυχαριστ ω!

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Double scaling
• ’t Hooft limit- gs → 0, N → ∞, t = gs N fixed in
X
F ∼ Fh (t)gs2h−2 (2)
h

• Double scaling for c < 1 (Matrix models)

X h i2−2h X
F ∼ Fh N (g − gc )(2−γ)/2 = Fh gs2h−2 (3)
h h

Thus send N → ∞, g → gc , gs fixed.

• Double scaling for c = 1. We define the cosmological constant
∆ ∼ κ2c − κ2 and ~−1 = N/κ2 .
• We are after the non-analytic piece of F(∆) which gives surfaces with a
diverging number of triangles.
P
• One introduces the density of states ρ() = ~ k δ( − k ) and sets the
chemical potential µ. One finds
Z ∞
1
κ2 = ~N = ρ() 2πR~ −1 (−µ) d (4)
−∞ 1+e
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Double scaling
• We also have the following equations

∂F
= ~−1 µ, FG (µ) = ~−1 ∆µ − F(∆) (5)
∂∆
• One finds
∞
∂ 2 FG πR~−1
Z
∂∆
= = dρ() 2 (6)
∂µ2 ∂µ −∞ 2 cosh (πR~−1 (µ − ))
• For the H.O. we have
∞
e−it
Z
1 1 1
ρ() = <Ψ(i + ) = < dt (7)
π 2 π 0 2 sinh 2t

• The idea is to determine FG as a series in ~−1 µ and then go back to find

F(∆).
• It is convenient to use ∆ = µ0 | log µ0 |. One can also find µ(µ0 ) and then
compute F(µ0 ).
• Note that all these are asymptotic expansion manipulations.
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Genus expansions- finite radius
• For the circle of finite radius we get
∞ ∞
∂ 2 FG e−it πR~−1
Z Z
= dt d (8)
∂µ2 0 −∞ 2 sinh 2t 2 cosh2 (πR~−1 (µ − ))
Z ∞
1 −1 1 t/2R
= = dte−i~ µt (9)
π 0 2 sinh t/2 sinh t/2R
The most convenient expression to work with is
Z ∞
∂ 3 FG 1 t/2~−1 µ t/2R~−1 µ
= = dte−it (10)
∂µ 3 π 0 sinh(t/2~ µ) sinh(t/2R~−1 µ)
−1

which one expands in 1/~−1 µ and then performs the integrals term by
term. In the end we get
  ∞
R 2 1 1 X
F(µ0 , R) = − µ0 log µ0 − R+ log µ0 + R µ−2k+2
0 fk (R)
2 24 R
k=2
(11)
which is T-dual under R → 1/R, µ0 → Rµ0 .
√
• The effective string theory coupling is now gef f (R) = 1/(µ0 R).
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Genus expansions
Infinite line, 0-T

• One can take the R → ∞ limit of the previous expression or directly

consider Z µ
E0 = ρ()d, (12)

expand in powers of 1/µ, integrate term by term and change variables to

get
∞
" #
(2n+1
1 1 X 2 − 1)|B 2n+2 |
−E0 = (2µ0 )2 log µ0 − log µ0 + (2µ0 )−2n (13)
8π 3 n=0
n(n + 1)(2n + 1)

the terms diverge as (2n + 2)! - closed string factorial growth. This is
correct up to non-perturbative terms.

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DOS
• We found the following partition function from the 1-particle kernel:
  Z π
1 1 1 cos(θ/2)
Zo (ω, β) = arctan = dθ
2 sinh(ωβ/2) sinh(ωβ/2) 2 0 cosh(ωβ) − cos(θ)
(14)
The analogous formula for the circle is:
Z π
1 1 1
Zc (ω, β) = = dθ (15)
2 sinh(ωβ/2) 2π 0 cosh(ωβ/2) − cos(θ)
To discuss the inverted H.O. one needs to set ω = i in these formulas.
• We can write this in terms of twisted partition function and
dos [Boulatov, Kazakov]
Z π Z π Z +∞
Zo (ω = i, β) = dθ cos(θ/2)Z(θ, β) = dθ cos(θ/2) d e−β ρ(θ, )
0 0 −∞
(16)
with
∞ ∞ ∞
X 1X X eimθ ( |m|+1 + k)
ρ(θ, ) = eimθ ρ(m) () = 2
|m|+1
+δ(θ) log Λ̃2
m=−∞
π ()2 + (k + )2
k=0 m=−∞ 2
(17)
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DOS
• We see that the circle and the orbifold differ by different averaging.
• For the circle one finds that the m = 0 contribution only survives

1 1
ρc () = <Ψ(i + ) (18)
π 2

• For the orbifold we get

    
1 1 1 1 3
ρo () = ρc () + =Ψ i + −= Ψ i + (19)
sinh(π) 2 4 2 4
with Ψ the digamma function.
• This also looks similar to the contribution coming from the diagonal
piece of the full kernel in the energy basis.
• With this the Free energy can be written as
Z ∞
1  
F= dρo () log 1 + eβ(µ−) (20)
2 −∞

which is the starting point for the genus expansion computation.

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Toy models
Toy models - engineered to be exactly or almost exactly solvable.
Sometimes they can also contain very fundamental and deep physics!
• Ising model - symmetry breaking, phase transitions
• XY model - topological phase transitions
• Kitaev’s toric code - Z2 Topological order
• Sherrington-Kirkpatrick model - Spin Glass
• SYK model - Holography, Chaos
• Your favourite one!
• Random Matrix models - Plethora of possibilities!
◦ 2d Quantum Gravity - Random surfaces [Migdal, Kazakov..]
◦ F-terms in N = 1 gauge theories - Topological strings [Dijkgraaf, Vafa,
Marino..]
◦ Eguchi-Kawai reduction - Induced QCD [Gross, Witten] - [Kazakov,
Migdal]
◦ Black Hole physics [Kazakov, Kutasov, Minwalla, Papadodimas, Liu,
Polchinski..... ]
◦ .....many many more outside high-energy physics!
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