Intersections of random walks. A direct renormalization approach

Various intersection probabilities of independent random walks ind dimensions are calculated analytically by a direct renormalization method, adapted from polymer physics. This heuristic approach, based on Edwards' continuum model, leads to a straightforward derivation and also to refinements of Lawler's results for the simultaneous intersections of two walks in ⁴, or three walks in ³. These results are generalized toP walks in ^d *, ,P2. Ford<4, an infinite set of universal critical exponents _L ,L1, are derived. They govern the asymptotic probability thatL star walks in ^d , with a common origin, do not intersect before timeS. The _L 's are calculated up to orderO(²), whered=4–. This information is used to calculate the probability that a set of independent random walks in ^d or ^d ,d4, (respectivelyd3) form a given topological networks of multiple intersection points, in the absence of any other double point (respectively triple point). This is generalized to a network in dimension with exclusion ofP-tuple points. The method is quite general and can be used to calculate any critical intersection probability, and provides the probabilist with a large variety of exact results (yet to be proven rigorously).