On the statistics of pairs of logarithms of integers

Abstract

We study the statistics of pairs of logarithms of positive integers at various scalings, either with trivial weights or with weights given by the Euler function, proving the existence of pair correlation functions. We prove that at the linear scaling, which is not the usual scaling by the inverse of the average gap, the pair correlations exhibit a level repulsion similar to radial distribution functions of fluids. We prove total loss of mass phenomena at superlinear scalings, and constant nonzero asymptotic behavior at sublinear scalings. The case of Euler weights has applications to the pair correlation of the lengths of common perpendicular geodesic arcs from the maximal Margulis cusp neighborhood to itself in the modular curve PSL2(Z)∖H2R.