Semi-classical analysis of non-self-adjoint transfer matrices in statistical mechanics. I (Q5963258)

A way to study one-dimensional statistical mechanics models with complex-valued action is proposed using transfer operators. Transfer operators \(K(x,y)=\exp[-W^2(x-y)^2-(V(x)+V(y)/2]\) are exponential functions depending on the interaction potential \(V\) and a parameter \(W\), \(x\) and \(y\) are coordinates. In the case \(W\gg1\), the semi-classical analysis allows to relate the spectral properties of \(K\) to those of a simpler operator \(\hat K\), which depends only on the behaviour of \(V\) at its minima. Under the condition that \(V\) has a unique, non-degenerate minimum \(V(0)=0\), \(\hat K\) is given by a harmonic oscillator. Neither \(K\) nor \(\hat K\) are self-adjoint, so that the introduction of a perturbation theory is rather difficult. Complex interaction potentials occur, for instance, in lattice quantum chromodynamics and in supersymmetric models. The strategy proposed in the present work to apply the semi-classical analysis consists of two steps. First, the contour of integration is deformed so that a harmonic approximation of \(\hat K\) occurs, which is almost normal. With other words, the disturbed transfer operator is a perturbation of a normal one. Then, the transfer operator is set up and analysed using (semi-)classical tools. The authors concentrate on the second step, the main technical result being a semi-classical estimate for the powers of an integral operator which is approximately normal. They apply the here developed strategy for a toy model with one saddle, which is partly inspired by supersymmetric models appearing in the study of random operators. In this case, the potential has only one minimum and the contour of integration is disturbed by rotation.