Eigenvalues of $p$-adic random matrices

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive theory of eigenvalues for $p$-adic random matrices, deriving explicit formulas and asymptotics that connect to zeroes of $p$-adic $L$-functions and eigenvalue statistics.

Contribution

It introduces the joint eigenvalue distribution for $p$-adic matrices, computes Coulomb gas formulas, and derives asymptotic eigenvalue behaviors, extending classical random matrix theory to the $p$-adic setting.

Findings

Explicit joint eigenvalue distribution formulas

Asymptotic eigenvalue statistics and pair correlation functions

Predictions for zeroes of $p$-adic $L$-functions

Abstract

We develop the basic theory of eigenvalues of $p$-adic random matrices, analogous to the classical theory for random matrices over $\mathbb{R}$ and $\mathbb{C}$. Such eigenvalue statistics were proposed as a model for the zeroes of $p$-adic $L$-functions by Ellenberg-Jain-Venkatesh, who computed the limiting distribution of the number of eigenvalues in a unit disc. We compute the full joint distribution of the $n$ eigenvalues of an $n \times n$ matrix with Haar distribution, obtaining Coulomb gas type formulas as in the archimedean case, with Vandermonde terms leading to eigenvalue repulsion. From these Coulomb gas density functions we derive asymptotics of eigenvalue statistics as $n \to \infty$. These include exact computations, such as a closed form $$\rho(x,y) = 1 - \theta_3(-\sqrt{p};||x-y||^2/p)$$ for the limiting pair correlation of eigenvalues in $\mathbb{Z}_p$, and similar results in quadratic extensions. Such formulas yield concrete numerical predictions on zeroes of $p$-adic $L$-functions. For eigenvalues in arbitrary extensions of $\mathbb{Q}_p$ we also give precise estimates on their pair-repulsion and expected number of eigenvalues in each extension. Finally, we compute the asymptotic probability that all eigenvalues lie in $\mathbb{Z}_p$. Our proofs combine results from several distinct areas: $p$-adic orbital integrals, roots of random $p$-adic polynomials, the Sawin-Wood moment method for random modules, and Markov chains associated with measures on integer partitions.