Pascal's Formulas and Vector Fields

We consider four examples $T=(T(n,k))_{0\le k\le n}$ of combinatorial triangles (Pascal, Stirling of both types, Euler) : through saddle-point asymptotics, their Pascal's formulas define four vector fields, together with their field lines that turn out to be the conjectured limit of sample paths of four well known Markov chains. We prove this asymptotic behaviour in three of the four cases. Our results lead to a new proof of Koršunov's formula for the enumeration of accessible complete deterministic automata, and to the design of an efficient rejection method for the random generation of this class of automata.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
The Electronic Journal of Combinatorics
Published
2025-03-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.37236/12591
Primary Topic
Logic, programming, and type systems
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Pascal's Formulas and Vector Fields

Philippe Chassaing, Alexis Zevio, Jules Flin
The Electronic Journal of Combinatorics
Logic, programming, and type systems
article

Pascal's Formulas and Vector Fields

Philippe Chassaing, Alexis Zevio, Jules Flin
article en

Abstract

We consider four examples $T=(T(n,k))_{0\le k\le n}$ of combinatorial triangles (Pascal, Stirling of both types, Euler) : through saddle-point asymptotics, their Pascal's formulas define four vector fields, together with their field lines that turn out to be the conjectured limit of sample paths of four well known Markov chains. We prove this asymptotic behaviour in three of the four cases. Our results lead to a new proof of Koršunov's formula for the enumeration of accessible complete deterministic automata, and to the design of an efficient rejection method for the random generation of this class of automata.

The Electronic Journal of CombinatoricsVol. 32(1)
Institut Élie Cartan de Lorraine (FR), Université de Lorraine (FR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 100%
Logic, programming, and type systems
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.