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We study the statistics of Hamiltonian cycles on various families of bicolored random planar maps (with the spherical topology). These families fall into two groups corresponding to two distinct universality classes with respective central charges $c=-1$ and $c=-2$. The first group includes generic $p$-regular maps with vertices of fixed valency $p\geq 3$, whereas the second group comprises maps with vertices of mixed valencies, and the so-called rigid case of $2q$-regular maps ($q\geq 2$) for which, at each vertex, the unvisited edges are equally distributed on both sides of the cycle. We predict for each class its universal configuration exponent $\gamma$, as well as a new universal critical exponent $\nu$ characterizing the number of long-distance contacts along the Hamiltonian cycle. These exponents are theoretically obtained by using the Knizhnik, Polyakov and Zamolodchikov (KPZ) relations, with the appropriate values of the central charge, applied, in the case of $\nu$, to the corresponding critical exponent on regular (hexagonal or square) lattices. These predictions are numerically confirmed by analyzing exact enumeration results for $p$-regular maps with $p=3,4,\ldots,7$, and for maps with mixed valencies $(2,3)$, $(2,4)$ and $(3,4)$., Comment: 41 pages, 19 figures, 9 tables

We evaluate the configuration exponents of various ensembles of Hamiltonian paths drawn on random planar bicubic maps. These exponents are estimated from the extrapolations of exact enumeration results for finite sizes and compared with their theoretical predictions based on the KPZ relations, as applied to their regular counterpart on the honeycomb lattice. We show that a naive use of these relations does not reproduce the measured exponents but that a simple modification in their application may possibly correct the observed discrepancy. We show that a similar modification is required to reproduce via the KPZ formulas some exactly known exponents for the problem of unweighted fully packed loops on random planar bicubic maps., Comment: 38 pages, 19 figures

We present new results for the complex generalized integral means spectrum for two kinds of whole-plane Loewner evolutions driven by L\'evy processes: - L\'evy processes with continuous trajectories, which correspond to Schramm-Loewner evolutions (SLE) with a drift term in the Brownian driving function. A natural path to access the standard integral means spectrum in the presence of drift goes through the introduction of the complex generalized integral means spectrum, which is obtained via the so-called Liouville quantum gravity. -Symmetric L\'evy processes for which we generalize recent results by Loutsenko and Yermolayeva., Comment: 48 pages, 13 figures. To be published in the special issue of Annales Henri Poincar\'e dedicated to the memory of Krzysztof Gawedzki

We show how the theory of the critical behaviour of $d$-dimensional polymer networks of arbitrary topology can be generalized to the case of networks confined by hyperplanes. This in particular encompasses the case of a single polymer chain in a bridge configuration. We further define multi-bridge networks, where several vertices are in local bridge configurations. We consider all cases of ordinary, mixed and special surface transitions, and polymer chains made of self-avoiding walks, or of mutually-avoiding walks, or at the tricritical $\Theta$-point. In the $\Theta$-point case, generalising the good-solvent case, we relate the critical exponent for simple bridges, $\gamma_b^{\Theta}$, to that of terminally-attached arches, $\gamma_{11}^{\Theta},$ and to the correlation length exponent $\nu^{\Theta}.$ We find $\gamma_b^{\Theta} = \gamma_{11}^{\Theta}+\nu^{\Theta}.$ In the case of the special transition, we find $\gamma_b^{\Theta}({\rm sp}) = \frac{1}{2}[\gamma_{11}^{\Theta}({\rm sp})+\gamma_{11}^{\Theta}]+\nu^{\Theta}.$ For general networks, the explicit expression of configurational exponents then naturally involve bulk and surface exponents for multiple random paths. In two-dimensions, we describe their Euclidean exponents from a unified perspective, using Schramm-Loewner Evolution (SLE) in Liouville quantum gravity (LQG), and the so-called KPZ relation between Euclidean and LQG scaling dimensions. This is done in the case of ordinary, mixed and special surface transitions, and of the $\Theta$-point. We provide compelling numerical evidence for some of these results both in two- and three-dimensions., Comment: 37 pages, 12 figures, to appear in J. Stat. Phys. special issue: Celebrating Joel Lebowitz

We show how the theory of the critical behaviour of $d$-dimensional polymer networks gives a scaling relation for self-avoiding {\em bridges} that relates the critical exponent for bridges $\gamma_b$ to that of terminally-attached self-avoiding arches, $\gamma_{1,1},$ and the {correlation} length exponent $\nu.$ We find $\gamma_b = \gamma_{1,1}+\nu.$ We provide compelling numerical evidence for this result in both two- and three-dimensions. Another subset of SAWs, called {\em worms}, are defined as the subset of SAWs whose origin and end-point have the same $x$-coordinate. We give a scaling relation for the corresponding critical exponent $\gamma_w,$ which is $\gamma_w=\gamma-\nu.$ This too is supported by enumerative results in the two-dimensional case., Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures. Revised version expands on applicability of these results and adds many references. Dedicated to the memory of Vladimir Rittenberg

We complete the mathematical analysis of the fine structure of harmonic measure on SLE curves that was initiated by Beliaev and Smirnov, as described by the averaged integral means spectrum. For the unbounded version of whole-plane SLE as studied by Duplantier, Nguyen, Nguyen and Zinsmeister, and Loutsenko and Yermolayeva, a phase transition has been shown to occur for high enough moments from the bulk spectrum towards a novel spectrum related to the point at infinity. For the bounded version of whole-plane SLE studied here, a similar transition phenomenon, now associated with the SLE origin, is proved to exist for low enough moments, but we show that it is superseded by the earlier occurrence of the transition to the SLE tip spectrum., Comment: 14 pages, 1 figure; final version

In the O(n) loop model on random planar maps, we study the depth - in terms of the number of levels of nesting - of the loop configuration, by means of analytic combinatorics. We focus on the 'refined' generating series of pointed disks or cylinders, which keep track of the number of loops separating the marked point from the boundary (for disks), or the two boundaries (for cylinders). For the general O(n) loop model, we show that these generating series satisfy functional relations obtained by a modification of those satisfied by the unrefined generating series. In a more specific O(n) model where loops cross only triangles and have a bending energy, we explicitly compute the refined generating series. We analyse their non generic critical behavior in the dense and dilute phases, and obtain the large deviations function of the nesting distribution, which is expected to be universal. Using the framework of Liouville quantum gravity (LQG), we show that a rigorous functional KPZ relation can be applied to the multifractal spectrum of extreme nesting in the conformal loop ensemble (CLE) in the Euclidean unit disk, as obtained by Miller, Watson and Wilson, or to its natural generalisation to the Riemann sphere. It allows us to recover the large deviations results obtained for the critical O(n) random planar map models. This offers, at the refined level of large deviations theory, a rigorous check of the fundamental fact that the universal scaling limits of random planar map models as weighted by partition functions of critical statistical models are given by LQG random surfaces decorated by independent CLEs., Comment: 105 pages, 11 figures. v2: minor text and abstract edits, references added. v4: revised and expanded, including justification of delta analyticity. v5: final version

Sampling equilateral closed polygons is of interest in the statistical study of ring polymers. Over the past 30 years, previous authors have proposed a variety of simple Markov chain algorithms (but have not been able to show that they converge to the correct probability distribution) and complicated direct samplers (which require extended-precision arithmetic to evaluate numerically unstable polynomials). We present a simple direct sampler which is fast and numerically stable, and analyze its runtime using a new formula for the volume of equilateral polygon space as a Dirichlet-type integral., Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures. Added Duplantier as coauthor; we now give the precise asymptotic complexity of the algorithm

We consider the whole-plane SLE conformal map f from the unit disk to the slit plane, and show that its mixed moments, involving a power p of the derivative modulus |f'| and a power q of the map |f| itself, have closed forms along some integrability curves in the (p,q) moment plane, which depend continuously on the SLE parameter kappa. The generalization of this integrability property to the m-fold transform of f is also given. We define a generalized integral means spectrum corresponding to the singular behavior of the mixed moments above. By inversion, it allows for a unified description of the unbounded interior and bounded exterior versions of whole-plane SLE, and of their m-fold generalizations. The average generalized spectrum of whole-plane SLE takes four possible forms, separated by five phase transition lines in the moment plane, whereas the average generalized spectrum of the m-fold whole-plane SLE is directly obtained from a linear map acting in that plane. We also conjecture the form of the universal generalized integral means spectrum., Comment: 51 pages, 11 figures; considerably revised and extended version. Sections 4 and 5 fused, Section 7 deleted. Complete proof of Theorem 1.7 given. New Figures 2, 6 and 7

There is a simple way to "glue together" a coupled pair of continuum random trees (CRTs) to produce a topological sphere. The sphere comes equipped with a measure and a space-filling curve (which describes the "interface" between the trees). We present an explicit and canonical way to embed the sphere in ${\mathbf C} \cup \{ \infty \}$. In this embedding, the measure is Liouville quantum gravity (LQG) with parameter $\gamma \in (0,2)$, and the curve is space-filling SLE$_{\kappa'}$ with $\kappa' = 16/\gamma^2$. Achieving this requires us to develop an extensive suite of tools for working with LQG surfaces. We explain how to conformally weld so-called "quantum wedges" to obtain new quantum wedges of different weights. We construct finite-volume quantum disks and spheres of various types, and give a Poissonian description of the set of quantum disks cut off by a boundary-intersecting SLE$_{\kappa}(\rho)$ process with $\kappa \in (0,4)$. We also establish a L\'evy tree description of the set of quantum disks to the left (or right) of an SLE$_{\kappa'}$ with $\kappa' \in (4,8)$. We show that given two such trees, sampled independently, there is a.s. a canonical way to "zip them together" and recover the SLE$_{\kappa'}$. The law of the CRT pair we study was shown in an earlier paper to be the scaling limit of the discrete tree/dual-tree pair associated to an FK-decorated random planar map (RPM). Together, these results imply that FK-decorated RPM scales to CLE-decorated LQG in a certain "tree structure" topology., Comment: 209 pages, approximately 60 figures; revised

We survey the properties of the log-correlated Gaussian field (LGF), which is a centered Gaussian random distribution (generalized function) $h$ on $\mathbb R^d$, defined up to a global additive constant. Its law is determined by the covariance formula $$\mathrm{Cov}\bigl[ (h, \phi_1), (h, \phi_2) \bigr] = \int_{\mathbb R^d \times \mathbb R^d} -\log|y-z| \phi_1(y) \phi_2(z)dydz$$ which holds for mean-zero test functions $\phi_1, \phi_2$. The LGF belongs to the larger family of fractional Gaussian fields obtained by applying fractional powers of the Laplacian to a white noise $W$ on $\mathbb R^d$. It takes the form $h = (-\Delta)^{-d/4} W$. By comparison, the Gaussian free field (GFF) takes the form $(-\Delta)^{-1/2} W$ in any dimension. The LGFs with $d \in \{2,1\}$ coincide with the 2D GFF and its restriction to a line. These objects arise in the study of conformal field theory and SLE, random surfaces, random matrices, Liouville quantum gravity, and (when $d=1$) finance. Higher dimensional LGFs appear in models of turbulence and early-universe cosmology. LGFs are closely related to cascade models and Gaussian branching random walks. We review LGF approximation schemes, restriction properties, Markov properties, conformal symmetries, and multiplicative chaos applications., Comment: 24 pages, 2 figures

Gaussian Multiplicative Chaos is a way to produce a measure on $\R^d$ (or subdomain of $\R^d$) of the form $e^{\gamma X(x)} dx$, where $X$ is a log-correlated Gaussian field and $\gamma \in [0,\sqrt{2d})$ is a fixed constant. A renormalization procedure is needed to make this precise, since $X$ oscillates between $-\infty$ and $\infty$ and is not a function in the usual sense. This procedure yields the zero measure when $\gamma=\sqrt{2d}$. Two methods have been proposed to produce a non-trivial measure when $\gamma=\sqrt{2d}$. The first involves taking a derivative at $\gamma=\sqrt{2d}$ (and was studied in an earlier paper by the current authors), while the second involves a modified renormalization scheme. We show here that the two constructions are equivalent and use this fact to deduce several quantitative properties of the random measure. In particular, we complete the study of the moments of the derivative multiplicative chaos, which allows us to establish the KPZ formula at criticality. The case of two-dimensional (massless or massive) Gaussian free fields is also covered., Comment: The new version contains the proofs for Free Fields

We revisit the Bieberbach conjecture in the framework of SLE processes and, more generally, L\'evy processes. The study of their unbounded whole-plane versions leads to a discrete series of exact results for the expectations of coefficients and their variances, and, more generally, for the derivative moments of some prescribed order p. These results are generalized to the m-fold conformal maps of whole-plane SLEs or L\'evy-Loewner Evolutions (LLEs). We also study the (averaged) integral means multifractal spectra of these unbounded whole-plane SLE curves. We prove the existence of a phase transition at a certain moment order, at which one goes from the bulk SLE expected integral means spectrum, as established by Beliaev and Smirnov, to a new integral means spectrum. The latter is furthermore shown to be intimately related, via the associated packing spectrum, to radial SLE derivative exponents, and to local SLE tip multifractal exponents obtained from quantum gravity. This is generalized to the integral means spectrum of the m-fold transform of the unbounded whole-plane SLE map., Comment: 95 pages, 10 figures. Revised and improved version with 10 pages and 4 figures added; Section 4.2 extended with new subsections 4.2.4 and 4.2.7. The new Theorem 1.4 rigorously establishes the form of the expected integral means spectrum for the unbounded whole-plane SLE (for a certain interval of moment order p)

In this paper, we study Gaussian multiplicative chaos in the critical case. We show that the so-called derivative martingale, introduced in the context of branching Brownian motions and branching random walks, converges almost surely (in all dimensions) to a random measure with full support. We also show that the limiting measure has no atom. In connection with the derivative martingale, we write explicit conjectures about the glassy phase of log-correlated Gaussian potentials and the relation with the asymptotic expansion of the maximum of log-correlated Gaussian random variables., Comment: Published in at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/13-AOP890 the Annals of Probability (http://www.imstat.org/aop/) by the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org)

We argue that the Hausdorff dimension D of a quantum gravity random surface is always D=4, irrespective of the conformal central charge c, c between -2 and 1, of a critical statistical model possibly borne by it. The Knizhnik-Polyakov-Zamolodchikov (KPZ) relation allows one to determine the dimension D from the exact Hausdorff dimension of random maps with large faces, recently rigorously studied by Le Gall and Miermont, and reformulated by Borot, Bouttier and Guitter as a loop model on a random quadrangulation. This contradicts several earlier conjectured formulae for D in terms of c.

We conformally weld (via "quantum zipping") two boundary arcs of a Liouville quantum gravity random surface to generate a random curve called the Schramm-Loewner evolution (SLE). We develop a theory of quantum fractal measures (consistent with the Knizhnik-Polyakov-Zamolochikov relation) and analyze their evolution under welding via SLE martingales. As an application, we construct the natural quantum length and boundary intersection measures on the SLE curve itself., Comment: 1 figure

A well-labelled positive path of size n is a pair (p,\sigma) made of a word p=p_1p_2...p_{n-1} on the alphabet {-1, 0,+1} such that the sum of the letters of any prefix is non-negative, together with a permutation \sigma of {1,2,...,n} such that p_i=-1 implies \sigma(i)<\sigma(i+1), while p_i=1 implies \sigma(i)>\sigma(i+1). We establish a bijection between well-labelled positive paths of size $n$ and matchings (i.e. fixed-point free involutions) on {1,2,...,2n}. This proves that the number of well-labelled positive paths is (2n-1)!!. By specialising our bijection, we also prove that the number of permutations of size n such that each prefix has no more ascents than descents is [(n-1)!!]^2 if n is even and n!!(n-2)!! otherwise. Our result also prove combinatorially that the n-dimensional polytope consisting of all points (x_1,...,x_n) in [-1,1]^n such that the sum of the first j coordinates is non-negative for all j=1,2,...,n has volume (2n-1)!!/n!.

We present a (mathematically rigorous) probabilistic and geometrical proof of the KPZ relation between scaling exponents in a Euclidean planar domain D and in Liouville quantum gravity. It uses the properly regularized quantum area measure d\mu_\gamma=\epsilon^{\gamma^2/2} e^{\gamma h_\epsilon(z)}dz, where dz is Lebesgue measure on D, \gamma is a real parameter, 0\leq \gamma <2, and h_\epsilon(z) denotes the mean value on the circle of radius \epsilon centered at z of an instance h of the Gaussian free field on D. The proof extends to the boundary geometry. The singular case \gamma >2 is shown to be related to the quantum measure d\mu_{\gamma'}, \gamma' < 2, by the fundamental duality \gamma\gamma'=4., Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure

Consider a bounded planar domain D, an instance h of the Gaussian free field on D (with Dirichlet energy normalized by 1/(2\pi)), and a constant 0 < gamma < 2. The Liouville quantum gravity measure on D is the weak limit as epsilon tends to 0 of the measures \epsilon^{\gamma^2/2} e^{\gamma h_\epsilon(z)}dz, where dz is Lebesgue measure on D and h_\epsilon(z) denotes the mean value of h on the circle of radius epsilon centered at z. Given a random (or deterministic) subset X of D one can define the scaling dimension of X using either Lebesgue measure or this random measure. We derive a general quadratic relation between these two dimensions, which we view as a probabilistic formulation of the KPZ relation from conformal field theory. We also present a boundary analog of KPZ (for subsets of the boundary of D). We discuss the connection between discrete and continuum quantum gravity and provide a framework for understanding Euclidean scaling exponents via quantum gravity., Comment: 56 pages. Revised version contains more details. To appear in Inventiones

We consider random conformally invariant paths in the complex plane (SLEs). Using the Coulomb gas method in conformal field theory, we rederive the mixed multifractal exponents associated with both the harmonic measure and winding (rotation or monodromy) near such critical curves, previously obtained by quantum gravity methods. The results also extend to the general cases of harmonic measure moments and winding of multiple paths in a star configuration., Comment: 29 pages, 4 figures

We describe in detail the history of Brownian motion, as well as the contributions of Einstein, Sutherland, Smoluchowski, Bachelier, Perrin and Langevin to its theory. The always topical importance in physics of the theory of Brownian motion is illustrated by recent biophysical experiments, where it serves, for instance, for the measurement of the pulling force on a single DNA molecule. In a second part, we stress the mathematical importance of the theory of Brownian motion, illustrated by two chosen examples. The by-now classic representation of the Newtonian potential by Brownian motion is explained in an elementary way. We conclude with the description of recent progress seen in the geometry of the planar Brownian curve. At its heart lie the concepts of conformal invariance and multifractality, associated with the potential theory of the Brownian curve itself., Comment: 107 pages, 21 figures, expanded and updated version of the article originally published in Einstein, 1905-2005, Poincar\'e Seminar 2005 (Birkh\"auser Verlag, 2006). Original version also available at http://www.birkhauser.ch/3-7643-7435-7

In these Notes, a comprehensive description of the universal fractal geometry of conformally-invariant scaling curves or interfaces, in the plane or half-plane, is given. The present approach focuses on deriving critical exponents associated with interacting random paths, by exploiting their underlying quantum gravity structure. The latter relates exponents in the plane to those on a random lattice, i.e., in a fluctuating metric, using the so-called Knizhnik, Polyakov and Zamolodchikov (KPZ) map. This is accomplished within the framework of random matrix theory and conformal field theory, with applications to geometrical critical models, like Brownian paths, self-avoiding walks, percolation, and more generally, the O(N) or Q-state Potts models and, last but not least, Schramm's Stochastic Loewner Evolution (SLE_kappa). These Notes can be considered as complementary to those by Wendelin Werner (2006 Fields Medalist!), ``Some Recent Aspects of Random Conformally Invariant Systems,'' arXiv:math.PR/0511268., Comment: 116 pages, 45 figures. Les Houches 2005 Lecture Notes. Based on the previous research survey article ``Conformal Fractal Geometry and Boundary Quantum Gravity,'' arXiv:math-ph/0303034 [in: ``Fractal Geometry and Applications: A Jubilee of Benoit Mandelbrot'' (M. L. Lapidus and M.van Frankenhuysen, eds.), Proc.Symposia Pure Math. vol. 72, Part 2, 365-482 (AMS, Providence, R.I., 2004], here augmented by introductory sections, explanatory figures and some new material. Supplementary technical appendices can be found in the foregoing reference

When the vacuum is partitioned by material boundaries with arbitrary shape, one can define the zero-point energy and the free energy of the electromagnetic waves in it: this can be done, independently of the nature of the boundaries, in the limit that they become perfect conductors, provided their curvature is finite. The first examples we consider are Casimir's original configuration of parallel plates, and the experimental situation of a sphere in front of a plate. For arbitrary geometries, we give an explicit expression for the zero-point energy and the free energy in terms of an integral kernel acting on the boundaries; it can be expanded in a convergent series interpreted as a succession of an even number of scatterings of a wave. The quantum and thermal fluctuations of vacuum then appear as a purely geometric property. The Casimir effect thus defined exists only owing to the electromagnetic nature of the field. It does not exist for thin foils with sharp folds, but Casimir forces between solid wedges are finite. We work out various applications: low temperature, high temperature where wrinkling constraints appear, stability of a plane foil, transfer of energy from one side of a curved boundary to the other, forces between distant conductors, special shapes (parallel plates, sphere, cylinder, honeycomb)., Comment: 44 pages, 8 figures; Proceedings of the 15 th SIGRAV Conference on General Relativity and Gravitational Physics, Villa Mondragone, Monte Porzio Catone, Roma, Italy, September 9-12, 2002

We consider a model of a D-dimensional tethered manifold interacting by excluded volume in R^d with a single point. Use of intrinsic distance geometry provides a rigorous definition of the analytic continuation of the perturbative expansion for arbitrary D, 0 < D < 2. Its one-loop renormalizability is first established by direct resummation. A renormalization operation R is then described, which ensures renormalizability to all orders. The similar question of the renormalizability of the self-avoiding manifold (SAM) Edwards model is then considered, first at one-loop, then to all orders. We describe a short-distance multi-local operator product expansion, which extends methods of local field theories to a large class of models with non-local singular interactions. It vindicates the direct renormalization method used earlier in part I of these lectures, as well as the corresponding scaling laws., Comment: 32 pages, 9 figures, Second Part and extensive update of Lecture Notes originally given in ``Statistical Mechanics of Membranes and Surfaces'', Fifth Jerusalem Winter School for Theoretical Physics (1987), D. R. Nelson, T. Piran,and S. Weinberg eds

This article gives a comprehensive description of the fractal geometry of conformally-invariant (CI) scaling curves, in the plane or half-plane. It focuses on deriving critical exponents associated with interacting random paths, by exploiting an underlying quantum gravity (QG) structure, which uses KPZ maps relating exponents in the plane to those on a random lattice, i.e., in a fluctuating metric. This is applied to critical models, like O(N) and Potts models, and to the Stochastic L\"owner Evolution (SLE). The multifractal (MF) function f(alpha, c) of the harmonic measure near any CI fractal boundary, is given as a function of the central charge c of the associated CFT. The Hausdorff dimensions D_{H} of a non-simple scaling curve or cluster hull, and D_{EP} of its external perimeter or frontier, are shown to obey the duality equation (D_{H}-1)(D_{EP}-1)=1/4, valid for any c. The universal mixed MF spectrum f(alpha,lambda;c) describing the local spiralling rate lambda and singularity exponent alpha of the potential near any CI scaling curve is given. The duality between simple and non-simple random paths is established via a symmetry of the KPZ quantum gravity map. An extended dual KPZ relation is introduced for the SLE_{kappa}, which commutes with the kappa to kappa'=16/kappa duality. This gives the SLE exponents from simple QG rules, established from the general structure of correlation functions of arbitrary interacting random sets on a random lattice., Comment: 118 pages, 36 figures, research review article. The first part (Sections 2-7) is an expanded version of J. Stat. Phys. 110, 691 (2003), cond-mat/0207743. The second part (sections 8-12 and appendices) focuses on SLE and quantum gravity, and on their various dualities, mirrored in that relating simple and non-simple paths. Finally, it offers detailed arguments leading to the quantum gravity approach to interacting random paths

The exact joint multifractal distribution for the scaling and winding of the electrostatic potential lines near any conformally invariant scaling curve is derived in two dimensions. Its spectrum f(alpha,lambda) gives the Hausdorff dimension of the points where the potential scales with distance $r$ as $H \sim r^{\alpha}$ while the curve logarithmically spirals with a rotation angle phi=lambda ln r. It obeys the scaling law f(\alpha,\lambda)=(1+\lambda^2) f(\bar \alpha)-b\lambda^2 with \bar \alpha=\alpha/(1+\lambda^2) and b=(25-c)/{12}$, and where f(\alpha)\equiv f(\alpha,0) is the pure harmonic measure spectrum, and c the conformal central charge. The results apply to O(N) and Potts models, as well as to {\rm SLE}_{\kappa}., Comment: 3 figures

We derive, from conformal invariance and quantum gravity, the multifractal spectrum f(alpha,c) of the harmonic measure (or electrostatic potential, or diffusion field) near any conformally invariant fractal in two dimensions, corresponding to a conformal field theory of central charge c. It gives the Hausdorff dimension of the set of boundary points where the potential varies with distance r to the fractal frontier as r^{alpha}. First examples are a Brownian frontier, a self-avoiding walk, or a percolation cluster. Potts, O(N) models, and the so-called SLE process are also considered. Higher multifractal functions are derived, like the universal function f_2(alpha,alpha') which gives the Hausdorff dimension of the points where the potential jointly varies with distance r as r^{alpha} on one side of the random curve, and as r^{alpha'} on the other. We present a duality between external perimeters of Potts clusters and O(N) loops at their critical point, obtained in a former work, as well as the corresponding duality in the SLE_{kappa} process for kappa kappa'=16., Comment: 38 pages, 7 figures. Review article written for the Rutgers meeting, held in celebration of Michael E. Fisher's 70th birthday, to appear in J. Stat. Phys

The multifractal (MF) distribution of the electrostatic potential near any conformally invariant fractal boundary, like a critical O(N) loop or a $Q$ -state Potts cluster, is solved in two dimensions. The dimension $\hat f(\theta)$ of the boundary set with local wedge angle $\theta$ is $\hat f(\theta)=\frac{\pi}{\theta} -\frac{25-c}{12} \frac{(\pi-\theta)^2}{\theta(2\pi-\theta)}$, with $c$ the central charge of the model. As a corollary, the dimensions $D_{\rm EP} =sup_{\theta}\hat f(\theta)$ of the external perimeter and $D_{\rm H}$ of the hull of a Potts cluster obey the duality equation $(D_{\rm EP}-1)(D_{\rm H}-1)={1/4}$. A related covariant MF spectrum is obtained for self-avoiding walks anchored at cluster boundaries., Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure

2D Percolation path exponents $x^{\cal P}_{\ell}$ describe probabilities for traversals of annuli by $\ell$ non-overlapping paths, each on either occupied or vacant clusters, with at least one of each type. We relate the probabilities rigorously to amplitudes of $O(N=1)$ models whose exponents, believed to be exact, yield $x^{\cal P}_{\ell}=({\ell}^2-1)/12$. This extends to half-integers the Saleur--Duplantier exponents for $k=\ell/2$ clusters, yields the exact fractal dimension of the external cluster perimeter, $D_{EP}=2-x^{\cal P}_3=4/3$, and also explains the absence of narrow gate fjords, as originally found by Grossman and Aharony., Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures (EPSF). Revised presentation

The harmonic measure (or diffusion field or electrostatic potential) near a percolation cluster in two dimensions is considered. Its moments, summed over the accessible external hull, exhibit a multifractal spectrum, which I calculate exactly. The generalized dimensions D(n) as well as the MF function f(alpha) are derived from generalized conformal invariance, and are shown to be identical to those of the harmonic measure on 2D random walks or self-avoiding walks. An exact application to the anomalous impedance of a rough percolative electrode is given. The numerical checks are excellent. Another set of exact and universal multifractal exponents is obtained for n independent self-avoiding walks anchored at the boundary of a percolation cluster. These exponents describe the multifractal scaling behavior of the average nth moment of the probabity for a SAW to escape from the random fractal boundary of a percolation cluster in two dimensions., Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures (in colors)

We consider in two dimensions the most general star-shaped copolymer, mixing random (RW) or self-avoiding walks (SAW) with specific interactions thereof. Its exact bulk or boundary conformal scaling dimensions in the plane are all derived from an algebraic structure existing on a random lattice (2D quantum gravity). The multifractal dimensions of the harmonic measure of a 2D RW or SAW are conformal dimensions of certain star copolymers, here calculated exactly as non rational algebraic numbers. The associated multifractal function f(alpha) are found to be identical for a random walk or a SAW in 2D. These are the first examples of exact conformal multifractality in two dimensions., Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, revtex, to appear in Phys. Rev. Lett., January 1999

We prove the renormalizability of the generalized Edwards model for self-avoiding polymerized membranes. This is done by use of a short distance multilocal operator product expansion, which extends the methods of local field theories to a large class of models with non-local singular interactions. This ensures the existence of scaling laws for crumpled self-avoiding membranes, and validates the direct renormalization method used for polymers and membranes. This also provides a framework for explicit perturbative calculations. We discuss hyperscaling relations for the configuration exponent and contact exponents. We finally consider membranes with long range interactions and at the Theta-point., Comment: 96 pages, TEX + lanlmac + epsf, 16 figures

A recently proposed theory for diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA), which models this system as a random branched growth process, is reviewed. Like DLA, this process is stochastic, and ensemble averaging is needed in order to define multifractal dimensions. In an earlier work [T. C. Halsey and M. Leibig, Phys. Rev. A46, 7793 (1992)], annealed average dimensions were computed for this model. In this paper, we compute the quenched average dimensions, which are expected to apply to typical members of the ensemble. We develop a perturbative expansion for the average of the logarithm of the multifractal partition function; the leading and sub-leading divergent terms in this expansion are then resummed to all orders. The result is that in the limit where the number of particles n -> \infty, the quenched and annealed dimensions are {\it identical}; however, the attainment of this limit requires enormous values of n. At smaller, more realistic values of n, the apparent quenched dimensions differ from the annealed dimensions. We interpret these results to mean that while multifractality as an ensemble property of random branched growth (and hence of DLA) is quite robust, it subtly fails for typical members of the ensemble., Comment: 82 pages, 24 included figures in 16 files, 1 included table

The statistics of a long closed self-avoiding walk (SAW) or polymer ring on a $ d $-dimensional lattice obeys hyperscaling. The combination $ p_N \left\langle R^2 \right\rangle^{ d/2}_N\mu^{ -N}, $ (where $ p_N $ is the number of configurations of an oriented and rooted $ N $-step ring, $ \left\langle R^2 \right\rangle_ N $ a typical average size squared, and $ \mu $ the SAW effective connectivity constant of the lattice) is equal for $ N \longrightarrow \infty $ to a lattice-dependent constant times a universal amplitude $ A(d). $ The latter amplitude is calculated directly from the minimal continuous Edwards model to second order in $ \varepsilon \equiv 4-d. $ The case of rings at the upper critical dimension $ d=4 $ is also studied. The results are checked against field theoretical calculations, and former simulations. As a consequence, we show that the universal constant $ \lambda $ appearing to second order in $ \varepsilon $ in all critical phenomena amplitude ratios is equal to $ \lambda = {1 \over 18} \left[\psi^{ \prime}( 1/6)+\psi^{ \prime}( 1/3) \right]-{4\pi^ 2 \over 27}. $

It has been recently argued that interacting self-avoiding walks (ISAW) of length $ \ell , $ in their low temperature phase (i.e. below the $ \Theta $-point) should have a partition function of the form: $$ Q_{\ell} \sim \mu^{ \ell}_ 0\mu^{ \ell^ \sigma}_ 1\ell^{ \gamma -1}\ , \eqno $$ where $ \mu_ 0(T) $ and $ \mu_ 1(T) $ are respectively bulk and perimeter monomer fugacities, both depending on the temperature $ T. $ In $ d $ dimensions the exponent $ \sigma $ could be close to $ (d-1)/d, $ corresponding to a $ (d-1) $-dimensional interface, while the configuration exponent $ \gamma $ should be universal in the whole collapsed phase. This was supported by a numerical study of 2D partially {\sl directed\/} SAWs for which $ \sigma \simeq 1/2 $ was found. I point out here that formula (1) already appeared at several places in the two-dimensional case for which $ \sigma =1/2, $ and for which one can even conjecture the exact value of $ \gamma . $, Comment: Saclay-T93/083