Statistics of two-dimensional random walks, the "cyclic sieving phenomenon" and the Hofstadter model

preprint2015arXivOpen access

Abstract

We focus on the algebraic area probability distribution of planar random walks on a square lattice with m1m_1, m2m_2, l1l_1 and l2l_2 steps right, left, up and down. We aim, in particular, at the algebraic area generating function Zm1,m2,l1,l2(Q)Z_{m_1,m_2,l_1,l_2}(Q) evaluated at Q=e2ıπqQ=e^{2ıπ\over q}, a root of unity, when both m1−m2m_1-m_2 and l1−l2l_1-l_2 are multiples of qq. In the simple case of staircase walks, a geometrical interpretation of Zm,0,l,0(e2iπq)Z_{m,0,l,0}(e^\frac{2iπ}{q}) in terms of the cyclic sieving phenomenon is illustrated. Then, an expression for Zm1,m2,l1,l2(−1)Z_{m_1,m_2,l_1,l_2}(-1), which is relevant to the Stembridge's case, is proposed. Finally, the related problem of evaluating the n-th moments of the Hofstadter Hamiltonian in the commensurate case is addressed.

Explore this paper’s authors, topics and related work.

Building this map preview

BZPEER is loading the nearby papers, people, topics and institutions for this page.

Reviews 0

Write a reviewWrite

No reviews yet.

Discussion 0

Add a commentWrite

No comments yet.