The Riemann $Ξ$-function from primitive Markovian cycles I: A canonical construction

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Authors: Douglas F Watson
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Starting from finite, local, reversible Markov dynamics on discrete cycles, we construct a scaling-limit renormalized trace kernel admitting an exact theta-series representation. The construction is entirely Archimedean and uses no Euler products, primes, or arithmetic spectral input. From this limit we define a logarithmic kernel $Φ$ and prove that it lies in the Pólya frequency class $\mathrm{PF}_\infty$, yielding via the Schoenberg-Edrei-Karlin classification a canonical Laguerre-Pólya function $Ψ$. Independently, we introduce an Archimedean completion operator and show that, at a self-dual normalization, the completed kernel coincides with the classical theta kernel, whose Mellin transform is the Riemann $Ξ$-function. We isolate a single remaining analytic problem relating $Ψ$ to $Ξ(2\cdot)$.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Analytic Number Theory Research Spectral Theory in Mathematical Physics advanced mathematical theories

Publication details

Journal / source
arXiv (Cornell University)
Publication date
1 February 2026
Document type
Preprint