Phase transition in reinforced random walk and RWRE on trees (Q1105285)

A random walk on an infinite tree is given a particular type of positive feedback, so that edges already traversed are more likely to be traversed in the future. Using exchangeability theory, the process is shown to be equivalent to a random walk in a random environment, that is to say, a mixture of Markov chains; this is achieved via Pólya's urn scheme. Criteria are given to determine whether a random walk in a random environment is transient or recurrent. These criteria apply to show that the reinforced random walk can vary from transient to recurrent, depending on the value of an adjustable parameter measuring the strength of the feedback. The value of the parameter at the phase transition is calculated. A crucial role in distinguishing between recurrence and transience is played by Chernoff's theory of large deviations.