Semicircle law for a matrix ensemble with dependent entries

Abstract

We study ensembles of random symmetric matrices whose entries exhibit certain correlations. Examples are distributions of Curie-Weiss-type. We provide a criterion on the correlations ensuring the validity of Wigner's semicircle law for the eigenvalue distribution measure. In case of Curie-Weiss distributions this criterion applies above the critical temperature (i.e. $\beta<1$). We also investigate the largest eigenvalue of certain ensembles of Curie-Weiss type and find a transition in its behavior at the critical temperature.