M.Kazarian and S.Lando found a 1-parametric interpolation between Kontsevich and Hurwitz partition functions, which entirely lies within the space of KP tau-functions. V.Bouchard and M.Marino suggested that this interpolation satisfies some deformed Virasoro constraints. However, they described the constraints in a somewhat sophisticated form of AMM-Eynard equations for the rather involved Lambert spectral curve. Here we present the relevant family of Virasoro constraints explicitly. They differ from the conventional continuous Virasoro constraints in the simplest possible way: by a constant shift u^2/24 of the L_{-1} operator, where u is an interpolation parameter between Kontsevich and Hurwitz models. This trivial modification of the string equation gives rise to the entire deformation which is a conjugation of the Virasoro constraints L_m -> U L_m U^{-1} and "twists" the partition function, Z_{KH}= U Z_K. The conjugation U is expressed through the previously unnoticed operators which annihilate the quasiclassical (planar) free energy of the Kontsevich model, but do not belong to the symmetry group GL(\infty) of the universal Grassmannian.
In this letter,we present our conjecture on the connection between the Kontsevich--Witten and the Hurwitz tau-functions. The conjectural formula connects these two tau-functions by means of the $GL(\infty)$ group element. An important feature of this group element is its simplicity: this is a group element of the Virasoro subalgebra of $gl(\infty)$. If proved, this conjecture would allow to derive the Virasoro constraints for the Hurwitz tau-function, which remain unknown in spite of existence of several matrix model representations, as well as to give an integrable operator description of the…
We give a simple derivation of the Virasoro constraints in the Kontsevich model, first derived by Witten. We generalize the method to a model of unitary matrices, for which we find a new set of Virasoro constraints. Finally we discuss the solution for symmetric matrices in an external field.
In this ``experimental'' research, we use known topological recursion relations in genera-zero, -one, and -two to compute the n-point descendant Gromov-Witten invariants of P^1 for arbitrary degrees and low values of n. The results are consistent with the Virasoro conjecture and also lead to explicit computations of all Hodge integrals in these genera. We also derive new recursion relations for simple Hurwitz numbers similar to those of Graber and Pandharipande.
We define cut-and-join operator in Hurwitz theory for merging of two branching points of arbitrary type. These operators have two alternative descriptions:(i) they have the GL characters as eigenfunctions and the symmetric-group characters as eigenvalues; (ii) they can be represented as differential operators of the $W$-type (in particular, acting on the time-variables in the Hurwitz-Kontsevich tau-function). The operators have the simplest form if expressed in terms of the matrix Miwa-variables. They form an important commutative associative algebra, a Universal Hurwitz Algebra, generalizing …
The Ward identities in Kontsevich-like 1-matrix models are used to prove at the level of discrete matrix models the suggestion of Gava and Narain, which relates the degree of potential in asymmetric 2-matrix model to the form of $\cal W$-constraints imposed on its partition function.
We use the Kontsevich--Miwa transform to relate the Virasoro constraints on integrable hierarchies with the David-Distler-Kawai formalism of gravity-coupled conformal theories. The derivation relies on evaluating the energy-momentum tensor on the hierarchy at special values of the spectral parameter. We thus obtain in the Kontsevich parametrization the `master equations' which implement the Virasoro constraints and at the same time coincide with null-vector decoupling equations in an `auxiliary' conformal field theory on the complex plane of the spectral parameter. This gives the operators the…
We use the Kontsevich-Miwa transform to relate the different pictures describing matter coupled to topological gravity in two dimensions: topological theories, Virasoro constraints on integrable hierarchies, and a DDK-type formalism. With the help of the Kontsevich-Miwa transform, we solve the Virasoro constraints on the KP hierarchy in terms of minimal models dressed with a (free) Liouville-like scalar. The dressing prescription originates in a topological (twisted N=2) theory. The Virasoro constraints are thus related to essentially the N=2 null state decoupling equations. The N=2 generators…
We solve Virasoro constraints on the KP hierarchy in terms of minimal conformal models. The constraints we start with are implemented by the Virasoro generators depending on a background charge $Q$. Then the solutions to the constraints are given by the theory which has the same field content as the David-Distler-Kawai theory: it consists of a minimal matter scalar with background charge $Q$, dressed with an extra `Liouville' scalar. The construction is based on a generalization of the Kontsevich parametrization of the KP times achieved by introducing into it Miwa parameters which depend on th…
Infinite-dimensional universal Cardy-Frobenius algebra is constructed, which unifies all particular algebras of closed and open Hurwitz numbers and is closely related to the algebra of differential operators, familiar from the theory of Generalized Kontsevich Model.
The main goal of the paper is to present a new approach via Hurwitz numbers to Kontsevich's combinatorial/matrix model for the intersection theory of the moduli space of curves. A secondary goal is to present an exposition of the circle of ideas involved: Hurwitz numbers, Gromov-Witten theory of the projective line, matrix integrals, and the theory of random trees. Further topics will be treated in a sequel.
In the first part of the talk, I review the applications of loop equations to the matrix models and to 2-dimensional quantum gravity which is defined as their continuum limit. The results concerning multi-loop correlators for low genera and the Virasoro invariance are discussed. The second part is devoted to the Kontsevich matrix model which is equivalent to 2-dimensional topological gravity. I review the Schwinger--Dyson equations for the Kontsevich model as well as their explicit solution in genus zero. The relation between the Kontsevich model and the continuum limit of the hermitean one-ma…
In this short note we construct a simple cut-and-join operator representation for Kontsevich-Witten tau-function that is the partition function of the two-dimensional topological gravity. Our derivation is based on the Virasoro constraints. Possible applications of the obtained expression are discussed.
We continue our investigation of the Kontsevich--Penner model, which describes intersection theory on moduli spaces both for open and closed curves. In particular, we show how Buryak's residue formula, which connects two generating functions of intersection numbers, appears in the general context of matrix models and tau-functions. This allows us to prove that the Kontsevich--Penner matrix integral indeed describes open intersection numbers. For arbitrary $N$ we show that the string and dilaton equations completely specify the solution of the KP hierarchy. We derive a complete family of the Vi…
We will describe algebro-geometric solutions of the KdV hierarchy whose $τ$-functions in addition satisfy a generalization of the Virasoro constraints (and, in particular, a generalization of the string equation). We show that these solutions are closely related to embeddings of the positive half of the Virasoro algebra into the Lie algebra of differential operators on the circle. Our results are tested against the case of Witten-Kontsevich $τ$-function. As by-products, we exhibit certain links of our methods with double covers of the projective line equipped with a line bundle and with ${\rm …
We attempt a direct derivation of a conformal field theory description of 2D quantum gravity~+~matter from the formalism of integrable hierarchies subjected to Virasoro constraints. The construction is based on a generalization of the Kontsevich parametrization of the KP times by introducing Miwa parameters into it. The resulting Kontsevich--Miwa transform can be applied to the Virasoro constraints provided the Miwa parameters are related to the background charge $Q$ of the Virasoro generators on the hierarchy. We then recover the field content of the David-Distler-Kawai formalism, with the ma…
We study algebraic aspects of Kontsevich integrals as generating functions for intersection theory over moduli space and review the derivation of Virasoro and KdV constraints. 1. Intersection numbers 2. The Kontsevich integral 2.1. The main theorem 2.2 Expansion of Z on characters and Schur functions 2.3 Proof of the first part of the Theorem 3. From Grassmannians to KdV 4. Matrix Airy equation and Virasoro highest weight conditions 5. Genus expansion 6. Singular behaviour and Painlev'e equation. 7. Generalization to higher degree potentials
In this paper we establish relations between three enumerative geometry tau-functions, namely the Kontsevich-Witten, Hurwitz and Hodge tau-functions. The relations allow us to describe the tau-functions in terms of matrix integrals, Virasoro constraints and Kac-Schwarz operators. All constructed operators belong to the algebra (or group) of symmetries of the KP hierarchy.
There is now a renewed interest to the Hurwitz tau-function, counting the isomorphism classes of Belyi pairs, arising in the study of equilateral triangulations and Grothiendicks's dessins d'enfant. It is distinguished by belonging to a particular family of Hurwitz tau-functions, possessing conventional Toda/KP integrability properties. We explain how the variety of recent observations about this function fits into the general theory of matrix model tau-functions. All such quantities possess a number of different descriptions, related in a standard way: these include Toda/KP integrability, sev…
We point out that the noncommutative selfdual phi^3 model can be mapped to the Kontsevich model, for a suitable choice of the eigenvalues in the latter. This allows to apply known results for the Kontsevich model to the quantization of the field theory, in particular the KdV flows and Virasoro constraints. The 2-dimensional case is worked out explicitly. We obtain nonperturbative expressions for the genus expansion of the free energy and some n-point functions. The full renormalization for finite coupling is found, which is determined by the genus 0 sector only. All contributions in a genus ex…
Following the works of Alexandrov, Mironov and Morozov, we show that the symplectic invariants of \cite{EOinvariants} built from a given spectral curve satisfy a set of Virasoro constraints associated to each pole of the differential form $ydx$ and each zero of $dx$ . We then show that they satisfy the same constraints as the partition function of the Matrix M-theory defined by Alexandrov, Mironov and Morozov. The duality between the different matrix models of this theory is made clear as a special case of dualities between symplectic invariants. Indeed, a symplectic invariant admits two decom…
Schur functions are the common eigenfunctions of generalized cut-and-join operators which form a closed algebra. They can be expressed as differential operators in time-variables and also through the eigenvalues of auxiliary $N\times N$ matrices $X$, known as Miwa variables. Relevant for the cubic Kontsevich model and also for spin Hurwitz theory is an alternative set of Schur Q-functions. They appear in representation theory of the Sergeev group, which is a substitute of the symmetric group, related to the queer Lie superalgebras $\mathfrak{q}(N)$.. The corresponding spin $\hat{\cal W}$-opera…
In the recent study of Virasoro action on characters, we discovered that it gets especially simple for peculiar linear combinations of the Virasoro operators: particular harmonics of $\hat w$-operators. In this letter, we demonstrate that even more is true: a {\it single} $w$-constraint is sufficient to uniquely specify the partition functions provided one assumes that it is a power series in time-variables. This substitutes the previous specifications in terms of {\it two} requirements: either a string equation imposed on the KP/Toda $τ$-function or a pair of Virasoro generators. This mysteri…
The generalized Kontsevich model (GKM) is a one-matrix model with arbitrary potential. Its partition function belongs to the KP hierarchy. When the potential is monomial, it is an $r$-reduced tau-function that governs the $r$-spin intersection numbers. In this paper, we present an ordered exponential representation of monomial GKM in terms of the $W_{1+\infty}$ operators that preserves the KP integrability. In fact, this representation is naturally the solution of a $W_{1+\infty}$ constraint that uniquely determines the tau-function. Furthermore, we show that, for the cases of Kontsevich-Witte…
We derive Virasoro constraints for the zero momentum part of the QCD-like partition functions in the sector of topological charge $ν$. The constraints depend on the topological charge only through the combination $N_f +βν/2$ where the value of the Dyson index $β$ is determined by the reality type of the fermions. This duality between flavor and topology is inherited by the small-mass expansion of the partition function and {\em all} spectral sum-rules of inverse powers of the eigenvalues of the Dirac operator. For the special case $β=2$ but arbitrary topological charge the Virasoro constraints…
The review is devoted to the integrable properties of the Generalized Kontsevich Model which is supposed to be an universal matrix model to describe the conformal field theories with $c<1$. It is shown that the deformations of the "monomial" phase to "polynomial" one have the natural interpretation in context of so-called equivalent hierarchies. The dynamical transition between equivalent integrable systems is exactly along the flows of the dispersionless Kadomtsev-Petviashvili hierarchy; the coefficients of the potential are shown to be directly related with the flat (quasiclassical) times ar…
A direct relation between the conformal formalism for 2d-quantum gravity and the W-constrained KP hierarchy is found, without the need to invoke intermediate matrix model technology. The Kontsevich-Miwa transform of the KP hierarchy is used to establish an identification between W constraints on the KP tau function and decoupling equations corresponding to Virasoro null vectors. The Kontsevich-Miwa transform maps the $W^{(l)}$-constrained KP hierarchy to the $(p^\prime,p)$ minimal model, with the tau function being given by the correlator of a product of (dressed) $(l,1)$ (or $(1,l)$) operator…
A conformal field theory can be recovered, via the Kontsevich-Miwa transform, as a solution to the Virasoro constraints on the KP tau function. That theory, which we call KM CFT, consists of d \leq 1 matter plus a scalar and a dressing prescription: Δ= 0 for every primary field. By adding a spin-1 bc system the KM CFT provides a realization of the N=2 twisted topological algebra. The other twist of the corresponding untwisted N=2 superconformal theory is a DDK realization of the N=2 twisted topological algebra. Talk given by Beatriz Gato-Rivera at the "28th International Symposium on the Theor…
The Kontsevich-Penner model, an Airy matrix model with a logarithmic potential, may be derived from a simple Gaussian two-matrix model through a duality. In this dual version the Fourier transforms of the n-point correlation functions can be computed in closed form. Using Virasoro constraints, we find that in addition to the parameters $t_n$, which appears in the KdV hierarchies, one needs to introduce here half-integer indices $t_{n/2}$ . The free energy as a function of those parameters may be obtained from these Virasoro constraints. The large N limit follows from the solution to an integra…
Generalized Kontsevich Matrix Model (GKMM) with a certain given potential is the partition function of $r$-spin intersection numbers. We represent this GKMM in terms of fermions and expand it in terms of the Schur polynomials by boson-fermion correspondence, and link it with a Hurwitz partition function and a Hodge partition by operators in a $\widehat{GL}(\infty)$ group. Then, from a $W_{1+\infty}$ constraint of the partition function of $r$-spin intersection numbers, we get a $W_{1+\infty}$ constraint for the Hodge partition function. The $W_{1+\infty}$ constraint completely determines the S…
We demonstrate the equivalence of Virasoro constraints imposed on continuum limit of partition function of Hermitean 1-matrix model and the Ward identities of Kontsevich's model. Since the first model describes ordinary $d = 2$ quantum gravity, while the second one is supposed to coincide with Witten's topological gravity, the result provides a strong implication that the two models are indeed the same.
A complete set of the Virasoro and W-constraints for the Kontsevich-Penner model, which conjecturally describes intersections on moduli spaces of open curves, was derived in our previous work. Here we show that these constraints can be described in terms of free bosonic fields with twisted boundary conditions, which gives a modification of the well-known construction of the $W^{(3)}$ algebra in conformal field theory. This description is natural from the point of view of the spectral curve description, and should serve as a new important ingredient of the topological recursion/Givental decompo…
A review of the appearence of integrable structures in the matrix model description of $2d$-gravity is presented. Most of ideas are demonstrated at the technically simple but ideologically important examples. Matrix models are considered as a sort of "effective" description of continuum $2d$ field theory formulation. The main physical role in such description is played by the Virasoro-$W$ constraints which can be interpreted as a certain unitarity or factorization constraints. Bith discrete and continuum (Generalized Kontsevich) models are formulated as the solutions to those discrete (continu…
We sharpen the duality between open and closed topological string partition functions for topological gravity coupled to matter. The closed string partition function is a generalised Kontsevich matrix model in the large dimension limit. We integrate out off-diagonal degrees of freedom associated to one source eigenvalue, and find an open/closed topological string partition function, thus proving open/closed duality. We match the resulting open partition function to the generating function of intersection numbers on moduli spaces of Riemann surfaces with boundaries and boundary insertions. More…
