How much can the eigenvalues of a random Hermitian matrix fluctuate?

Tom Claeys, Benjamin Fahs, Gaultier Lambert, Christian Webb

Published 2019-06-04Version 1

The goal of this article is to study how much the eigenvalues of large Hermitian random matrices deviate from certain deterministic locations -- or in other words, to investigate optimal rigidity estimates for the eigenvalues. We do this in the setting of one-cut regular unitary invariant ensembles of random Hermitian matrices -- the Gaussian Unitary Ensemble being the prime example of such an ensemble. Our approach to this question combines extreme value theory of log-correlated stochastic processes, and in particular the theory of multiplicative chaos, with asymptotic analysis of large Hankel determinants with Fisher-Hartwig symbols of various types, such as merging jump singularities, size-dependent impurities, and jump singularities approaching the edge of the spectrum. In addition to optimal rigidity estimates, our approach sheds light on the fractal geometry of the eigenvalue counting function.