Baxterization, dynamical systems, and the symmetries of integrability

Abstract

We resolve the `baxterization' problem with the help of the automorphism group of the Yang-Baxter (resp. star-triangle, tetrahedron, \dots) equations. This infinite group of symmetries is realized as a non-linear (birational) Coxeter group acting on matrices, and exists as such, {\em beyond the narrow context of strict integrability}. It yields among other things an unexpected elliptic parametrization of the non-integrable sixteen-vertex model. It provides us with a class of discrete dynamical systems, and we address some related problems, such as characterizing the complexity of iterations.Comment: 25 pages, Latex file (epsf style). WARNING: Postscript figures are BIG (600kB compressed, 4.3MB uncompressed). If necessary request hardcopy to [email protected] and give your postal mail addres