LargeNPenner matrix model and a novel asymptotic formula for the generalized Laguerre polynomials

Abstract

The Gaussian Penner matrix model is re-examined in the light of the results which have been found in double-well matrix models. The orthogonal polynomials for the Gaussian Penner model are shown to be the generalized Laguerre polynomials L(α)n(x) with α and x depending on N, the size of the matrix. An asymptotic formula for the orthogonal polynomials is derived following closely the orthogonal polynomial method of Deo (1997 Nucl. Phys. B 504 609). The universality found in the double-well matrix model is extended to include non-polynomial potentials. An asymptotic formula is also found for the Laguerre polynomial using the saddle-point method by rescaling α and x with N. Combining these results a novel asymptotic formula is found for the generalized Laguerre polynomials (different from that given in Szego's book) in a different asymptotic regime. This may have applications in mathematical and physical problems in the future. The density–density correlators are derived and are the same as those found for the double-well matrix models. These correlators in the smoothed large N limit are sensitive to odd and even N where N is the size of the matrix. These results for the two-point density–density correlation function may be useful in finding eigenvalue effects in experiments in mesoscopic systems or small metallic grains. There may be applications to string theory as well as the tunnelling of an eigenvalue from one valley to the other being an important quantity there.