Deformed Cauchy random matrix ensembles and large $N$ phase transitions

Abstract

We study a new hermitian one-matrix model containing a logarithmic Penner's type term and another term, which can be obtained as a limit from logarithmic terms. For small coupling, the potential has an absolute minimum at the origin, but beyond a certain value of the coupling the potential develops a double well. For a higher critical value of the coupling, the system undergoes a large N third-order phase transition.