Schur function expansion for normal matrix model and associated discrete matrix models

We consider Schur function expansion for the partition function of the model of normal matrices. This expansion coincides with Takasaki's expansion for tau functions of Toda lattice hierarchy. We show that the partition function of the model of normal matrices is, at the same time, a partition function of certain discrete models, which can be solved by the method of orthogonal polynomials. We obtain discrete versions of various known matrix models: models of non-negative matrices, unitary matrices, normal matrices. We also introduce Hermitian and unitary two-matrix models with generalized interaction terms in continuous and discrete versions. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.