Replica approach in random matrix theory

Abstract

This article examines the replica method in random matrix theory (RMT), with particular emphasis on recently discovered integrability of zero-dimensional replica field theories. It first provides an overview of both fermionic and bosonic versions of the replica limit, along with its trickery, before discussing early heuristic treatments of zero-dimensional replica field theories, with the goal of advocating an exact approach to replicas. The latter is presented in two elaborations: by viewing the β = 2 replica partition function as the Toda lattice and by embedding the replica partition function into a more general theory of τ functions. The density of eigenvalues in the Gaussian Unitary Ensemble (GUE) and the saddle point approach to replica field theories are also considered. The article concludes by describing an integrable theory of replicas that offers an alternative way of treating replica partition functions.