A higher Boltzmann distribution

Abstract

We characterize the classical Boltzmann distribution as the unique solution to a certain combinatorial Hodge theory problem in homological degree zero on a finite graph. By substituting for the graph a CW complex and a degree d, we are able to define, by direct analogy, a higher dimensional Boltzmann distribution as a certain (d-1)-cycle on the real cellular chain complex which is characterized by appropriate constraints. We then give an explicit formula for this cycle. We explain how this circle of ideas relates to the authors' Higher Kirchhoff Network Theorem. We also give an improved version of the authors' Higher Matrix-Tree Theorems.