Zeta function for the Lyapunov exponent of a product of random matrices

Abstract

A cycle expansion for the Lyapunov exponent of a product of random matrices is derived. The formula is nonperturbative and numerically effective, which allows the Lyapunov exponent to be computed to high accuracy. In particular, the free energy and heat capacity are computed for the one-dimensional Ising model with quenched disorder. The formula is derived by using a Bernoulli dynamical system to mimic the randomness.