Switch Operators for the Six-Vertex Model

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce and analyze a new switch operator for the six-vertex model. This operator, derived from the Yang-Baxter equation, allows us to express the partition function with arbitrary boundaries in terms of a base case with domain wall boundary conditions. As an application, we derive explicit formulas for the factorial Schur functions and their generalizations. Our results provide new insights into the relationship between boundary conditions and partition functions in the six-vertex model.