We study the statistical mechanics of multi-index matching problems where the quenched disorder is a geometric site disorder rather than a link disorder. A recently developed functional formalism is exploited that yields exact results in the finite-temperature thermodynamic limit. Particular attention is paid to the zero-temperature limit of maximal matching problems where the method allows us to obtain the average value of the optimal match and also sheds light on the algorithmic heuristics leading to that optimal match.

• Received 3 July 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.74.041122