Stochastic six-vertex model (Q267530)

The departure point for further analysis is the six-vertex model, which is a prototype integrable lattice model in two dimensions, perceived as one of the most important models of equilibrium statistical mechanics. The configurations of the model (assignments of one of six types of H\(_2\)O molecules to vertices) are here suitably randomized and the problem of asymptotic distributions of the quantities describing random configurations is addressed. In particular, the random height function of the model is introduced and found to converge to an explicit deterministic limit shape (that is the law of the large numbers for the height function). Next, one-point fluctuations about the limit shape are found to be asymptotically governed by the GUE (Gaussian unitary ensemble) Tracy-Widom distribution. To this end, an equivalent formulation of the model, in terms of the interacting particle system, is introduced and explored. Thie latter system can be viewed as a discrete generalization of the asymmetric exclusion process (ASEP) started from the step initial condition. The results obtained appear to confirm the prediction of \textit{L.-H. Gwa} and \textit{H. Spohn} [Phys. Rev. Lett. 68, No. 6, 725--728 (1992; Zbl 0969.82526)] that the system belongs to the KPZ universality class.