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${\mathbb{Z}}_N$ graded discrete Lax pairs and discrete integrable systems

We introduce a class of ${\mathbb{Z}}_N$ graded discrete Lax pairs, with $N\times N$ matrices, linear in the spectral parameter. We give a classification scheme for such Lax pairs and the associated discrete integrable systems. We present two potential forms and completely classify the generic case. Many well known examples belong to our scheme for $N=2$, so many of our systems may be regarded as generalisations of these. Even at $N=3$, several new integrable systems arise. Many of our equations are mutually compatible, so can be used together to form "coloured" lattices. We also present continuous isospectral deformations of our Lax pairs, giving compatible differential-difference systems, which play the role of continuous symmetries of our discrete systems. We present master symmetries and a recursive formulae for their respective hierarchies, for the generic case. We present two nonlocal symmetries of our discrete systems, which have a natural representation in terms of the potential forms. These give rise to the two-dimensional Toda lattice, with our nonlinear symmetries being the Bäcklund transformations and our discrete system being the nonlinear superposition formula (for the generic case).