Compact support probability distributions in random matrix theory

Abstract

We consider a generalization of the fixed and bounded trace ensembles introduced by Bronk and Rosenzweig up to an arbitrary polynomial potential. In the large-N limit we prove that the two are equivalent and that their eigenvalue distribution coincides with that of the "canonical" ensemble with measure exp[-$n$Tr V(M)]. The mapping of the corresponding phase boundaries is illuminated in an explicit example. In the case of a Gaussian potential we are able to derive exact expressions for the one- and two-point correlator for finite $n$, having finite support.