Gregory F. Lawler - Böcker

Random walks are stochastic processes formed by successive summation of independent, identically distributed random variables and are one of the most studied topics in probability theory. This contemporary introduction evolved from courses taught at Cornell University and the University of Chicago by the first author, who is one of the most highly regarded researchers in the field of stochastic processes. This text meets the need for a modern reference to the detailed properties of an important class of random walks on the integer lattice. It is suitable for probabilists, mathematicians working in related fields, and for researchers in other disciplines who use random walks in modeling.

Focusing on a number of problems related to the intersection of random walks and the self-avoiding walk. Many of these problems arise in studying statistical physics and other critical phenomena. Topics covered include: discrete harmonic measure; the probability that independent random walks do not intersect; and properties of walks without self-intersections. With the inclusion of a self-contained introduction to the properties of simple random walks, and an emphasis on rigorous results, this text should be of use to researchers in probability and statistical physics, and to graduate students interested in basic properties of random walk.

Theoretical physicists have predicted that the scaling limits of many two-dimensional lattice models in statistical physics are in some sense conformally invariant. This belief has allowed physicists to predict many quantities for these critical systems. The nature of these scaling limits has recently been described precisely by using one well-known tool, Brownian motion, and a new construction, the Schramm-Loewner evolution (SLE). This book is an introduction to the conformally invariant processes that appear as scaling limits. The following topics are covered: stochastic integration; complex Brownian motion and measures derived from Brownian motion; conformal mappings and univalent functions; the Loewner differential equation and Loewner chains; the Schramm-Loewner evolution (SLE), which is a Loewner chain with a Brownian motion input; and applications to intersection exponents for Brownian motion. The prerequisites are first-year graduate courses in real analysis, complex analysis, and probability. The book is suitable for graduate students and research mathematicians interested in random processes and their applications in theoretical physics.

The heat equation can be derived by averaging over a very large number of particles. Traditionally, the resulting PDE is studied as a deterministic equation, an approach that has brought many significant results and a deep understanding of the equation and its solutions. By studying the heat equation by considering the individual random particles, however, one gains further intuition into the problem. While this is now standard for many researchers, this approach is generally not presented at the undergraduate level. In this book, Lawler introduces the heat equation and the closely related notion of harmonic functions from a probabilistic perspective. The theme of the first two chapters of the book is the relationship between random walks and the heat equation. The first chapter discusses the discrete case, random walk and the heat equation on the integer lattice; and the second chapter discusses the continuous case, Brownian motion and the usual heat equation. Relationships are shown between the two. For example, solving the heat equation in the discrete setting becomes a problem of diagonalization of symmetric matrices, which becomes a problem in Fourier series in the continuous case. Random walk and Brownian motion are introduced and developed from first principles. The latter two chapters discuss different topics: martingales and fractal dimension, with the chapters tied together by one example, a random Cantor set. The idea of this book is to merge probabilistic and deterministic approaches to heat flow. It is also intended as a bridge from undergraduate analysis to graduate and research perspectives. The book is suitable for advanced undergraduates, particularly those considering graduate work in mathematics or related areas.

A central study in Probability Theory is the behavior of fluctuation phenomena of partial sums of different types of random variable. One of the most useful concepts for this purpose is that of the random walk which has applications in many areas, particularly in statistical physics and statistical chemistry. Originally published in 1991, Intersections of Random Walks focuses on and explores a number of problems dealing primarily with the nonintersection of random walks and the self-avoiding walk. Many of these problems arise in studying statistical physics and other critical phenomena. Topics include: discrete harmonic measure, including an introduction to diffusion limited aggregation (DLA); the probability that independent random walks do not intersect; and properties of walks without self-intersections. The present softcover reprint includes corrections and addenda from the 1996 printing, and makes this classic monograph available to a wider audience. With a self-contained introduction to the properties of simple random walks, and an emphasis on rigorous results, the book will be useful to researchers in probability and statistical physics and to graduate students interested in basic properties of random walks.

The title Random Explorations has two meanings. First, a few topics of advanced probability are deeply explored. Second, there is a recurring theme of analyzing a random object by exploring a random path.This book is an outgrowth of lectures by the author in the University of Chicago Research Experiences for Undergraduate (REU) program in 2020. The idea of the course was to expose advanced undergraduates to ideas in probability research.The book begins with Markov chains with an emphasis on transient or killed chains that have finite Green's function. This function, and its inverse called the Laplacian, is discussed next to relate two objects that arise in statistical physics, the loop-erased random walk (LERW) and the uniform spanning tree (UST). A modern approach is used including loop measures and soups. Understanding these approaches as the system size goes to infinity requires a deep understanding of the simple random walk so that is studied next, followed by a look at the infinite LERW and UST. Another model, the Gaussian free field (GFF), is introduced and related to loop measure. The emphasis in the book is on discrete models, but the final chapter gives an introduction to the continuous objects: Brownian motion, Brownian loop measures and soups, Schramm-Loewner evolution (SLE), and the continuous Gaussian free field. A number of exercises scattered throughout the text will help a serious reader gain better understanding of the material.

Emphasizing fundamental mathematical ideas rather than proofs, Introduction to Stochastic Processes, Second Edition provides quick access to important foundations of probability theory applicable to problems in many fields. Assuming that you have a reasonable level of computer literacy, the ability to write simple programs, and the access to software for linear algebra computations, the author approaches the problems and theorems with a focus on stochastic processes evolving with time, rather than a particular emphasis on measure theory.For those lacking in exposure to linear differential and difference equations, the author begins with a brief introduction to these concepts. He proceeds to discuss Markov chains, optimal stopping, martingales, and Brownian motion. The book concludes with a chapter on stochastic integration. The author supplies many basic, general examples and provides exercises at the end of each chapter.New to the Second Edition:Expanded chapter on stochastic integration that introduces modern mathematical finance Introduction of Girsanov transformation and the Feynman-Kac formula Expanded discussion of Itô's formula and the Black-Scholes formula for pricing options New topics such as Doob's maximal inequality and a discussion on self similarity in the chapter on Brownian motionApplicable to the fields of mathematics, statistics, and engineering as well as computer science, economics, business, biological science, psychology, and engineering, this concise introduction is an excellent resource both for students and professionals.