Random matrix analysis of the QCD sign problem for general topology

Motivated by the important role played by the phase of the fermion determinant in the investigation of the sign problem in lattice QCD at nonzero baryon density, we derive an analytical formula for the average phase factor of the fermion determinant for general topology in the microscopic limit of chiral random matrix theory at nonzero chemical potential, for both the quenched and the unquenched case. The formula is a nontrivial extension of the expression for zero topology derived earlier by Splittorff and Verbaarschot. Our analytical predictions are verified by detailed numerical random matrix simulations of the quenched theory.Comment: 33 pages, 9 figures; v2: minor corrections, references added, figures with increased statistics, as published in JHE

Mixed correlation functions in the 2-matrix model, and the Bethe ansatz

Using loop equation technics, we compute all mixed traces correlation functions of the 2-matrix model to large N leading order. The solution turns out to be a sort of Bethe Ansatz, i.e. all correlation functions can be decomposed on products of 2-point functions. We also find that, when the correlation functions are written collectively as a matrix, the loop equations are equivalent to commutation relations.Comment: 38 pages, LaTex, 24 figures. misprints corrected, references added, a technical part moved to appendi

1/2-BPS Correlators as c=1 S-matrix

We argue from two complementary viewpoints of Holography that the 2-point correlation functions of 1/2-BPS multi-trace operators in the large-N (planar) limit are nothing but the (Wick-rotated) S-matrix elements of c=1 matrix model. On the bulk side, we consider an Euclideanized version of the so-called bubbling geometries and show that the corresponding droplets reach the conformal boundary. Then the scattering matrix of fluctuations of the droplets gives directly the two-point correlators through the GKPW prescription. On the Yang-Mills side, we show that the two-point correlators of holomorphic and anti-holomorphic operators are essentially equivalent with the transformation functions between asymptotic in- and out-states of c=1 matrix model. Extension to non-planar case is also discussed.Comment: 28 pages, 3 figures, corrected typos, version to appear in JHE

Abelian and nonabelian vector field effective actions from string field theory

The leading terms in the tree-level effective action for the massless fields of the bosonic open string are calculated by integrating out all massive fields in Witten's cubic string field theory. In both the abelian and nonabelian theories, field redefinitions make it possible to express the effective action in terms of the conventional field strength. The resulting actions reproduce the leading terms in the abelian and nonabelian Born-Infeld theories, and include (covariant) derivative corrections.Comment: 49 pages, 1 eps figur