Quantum integrable models and discrete classical Hirota equations (Q1379537)

The authors show that the equations, which are usually considered as a tool inherent to quantum integrability, arise naturally as a result of the solution of entirely classical nonlinear discrete time integrable equations. This suggests an intriguing inter-relation between integrable quantum field theories and classical soliton equations in discrete time. The paper begins with a review of general properties and boundary conditions of solutions to Hirota's Bilinear Difference Equation (HBDE) that yield eigenvalues of quantum transfer matrices. Next, the zero curvature representation of HBDE and auxiliary linear problems are presented. Further, discussions are given on the duality relation between ``wave functions'' and ``potential'', as well as the Bäcklund flows on the set of wave functions, which are important ingredients of the nested Bethe ansatz scheme. As illustrations, the paper is supplemented with a self-contained treatment of the simplest situation \((A_1\)-case), followed by the treatment in general \((A_{k-1}\)-case). Finally, a general solution of HBDE with required boundary condition is given. This leads to a new type of determinant formulas for eigenvalues of the quantum transfer matrix.