Master partitions for large \(N\) matrix field theories (Q1817754)

Path integrals for \(N\times N\) matrix field theories have been in the center of interest for many years. The present paper deals with the large \(N\) limit of non-gauge models when spacetime is replaced by a two-dimensional Euclidean lattice. The matrices may either be elements of the groups \(GL(N, \mathbb{C})\), \(U(N)\), or the Lie algebra \({\mathfrak u}(N)\). The idea is to proceed in three steps: (1) Eguchi-Kawai reduction, (2) character expansion, and (3) saddle point analysis. Step (2) appears to be the main focus of the present work. Still, the complete solution to the problem of controlling the large \(N\) limit is far from being complete. The author sketches a strategy for future work in this direction.