A Simple Introduction to Solvable Vertex Models and Integrable Quantum Spin Chains

I will give a simple description of statistical-mechanical vertex models and then use the transfer matrix approach to relate them to quantum spin chains. I will show how a class of such models which are exactly solvable are related to solutions of the Yang-Baxter equation. I will then  attempt to give a flavour of the Algebraic Bethe Ansatz technique for finding the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the quantum Hamiltonian, and mention how this method is related to the existence of an underlying quantum group symmetry.

The talk is aimed at beginners; the intention is that if you know what a partition function is you should be able to follow it all.