Semiclassical evolution of the spectral curve in the normal random matrix ensemble as Whitham hierarchy

We continue the analysis of the spectral curve of the normal random matrix ensemble, introduced in an earlier paper. Evolution of the full quantum curve is given in terms of compatibility equations of independent flows. The semiclassical limit of these flows is expressed through canonical differential forms of the spectral curve. We also prove that the semiclassical limit of the evolution equations is equivalent to Whitham hierarchy.Comment: 14 page

Normal random matrix ensemble as a growth problem

In general or normal random matrix ensembles, the support of eigenvalues of large size matrices is a planar domain (or several domains) with a sharp boundary. This domain evolves under a change of parameters of the potential and of the size of matrices. The boundary of the support of eigenvalues is a real section of a complex curve. Algebro-geometrical properties of this curve encode physical properties of random matrix ensembles. This curve can be treated as a limit of a spectral curve which is canonically defined for models of finite matrices. We interpret the evolution of the eigenvalue distribution as a growth problem, and describe the growth in terms of evolution of the spectral curve. We discuss algebro-geometrical properties of the spectral curve and describe the wave functions (normalized characteristic polynomials) in terms of differentials on the curve. General formulae and emergence of the spectral curve are illustrated by three meaningful examples.Comment: 44 pages, 14 figures; contains the first part of the original file. The second part will be submitted separatel

On the Algebraic--Geometrical Solutions of the sine--Gordon Equation

We examine the relation between two known classes of solutions of the sine--Gordon equation, which are expressed by theta functions on hyperelliptic Riemann surfaces. The first one is a consequence of the Fay's trisecant identity. The second class exists only for odd genus hyperelliptic Riemann surfaces which admit a fixed--point--free automorphism of order two. We show that these two classes of solutions coincide. The hyperelliptic surfaces corresponding to the second class appear to be double unramified coverings of the Riemann surfaces corresponding to the first class of solutions. We also discuss the soliton limits of these solutions.Comment: 10 pages, LaTex, SISSA--ISAS 10/94/EP (Revised version: the reference [12] added; small changes in the Introduction

Generic critical points of normal matrix ensembles

The evolution of the degenerate complex curve associated with the ensemble at a generic critical point is related to the finite time singularities of Laplacian Growth. It is shown that the scaling behavior at a critical point of singular geometry $x^3 \sim y^2$ is described by the first Painlev\'e transcendent. The regularization of the curve resulting from discretization is discussed.Comment: Based on a talk given at the conference on Random Matrices, Random Processes and Integrable Systems, CRM Montreal, June 200