A geometrical triumvirate of real random matrices

Abstract: We present a five-step method for the calculation of eigenvalue correlation functions for various ensembles of real random matrices, based upon the method of (skew-) orthogonal polynomials. This scheme systematises existing methods and also involves some new techniques. The ensembles considered are: the Gaussian Orthogonal Ensemble (GOE), the real Ginibre ensemble, ensembles of partially symmetric real Gaussian matrices, the real spherical ensemble (of matrices $A<sup>{-1}B$), and the real anti-spherical ensemble (consisting of truncated real orthogonal matrices). Particular emphasis is paid to the variations in method required to treat odd-sized matrices. Various universality results are discussed, and a conjecture for an `anti-spherical law' is presented.