  We survey a number of models from physics, statistical mechanics, probability
theory and combinatorics, which are each described in terms of an orthogonal
polynomial ensemble. The most prominent example is apparently the Hermite
ensemble, the eigenvalue distribution of the Gaussian Unitary Ensemble (GUE),
and other well-known ensembles known in random matrix theory like the Laguerre
ensemble for the spectrum of Wishart matrices. In recent years, a number of
further interesting models were found to lead to orthogonal polynomial
ensembles, among which the corner growth model, directed last passage
percolation, the PNG droplet, non-colliding random processes, the length of the
longest increasing subsequence of a random permutation, and others. Much
attention has been paid to universal classes of asymptotic behaviors of these
models in the limit of large particle numbers, in particular the spacings
between the particles and the fluctuation behavior of the largest particle.
Computer simulations suggest that the connections go even farther and also
comprise the zeros of the Riemann zeta function. The existing proofs require a
substantial technical machinery and heavy tools from various parts of
mathematics, in particular complex analysis, combinatorics and variational
analysis. Particularly in the last decade, a number of fine results have been
achieved, but it is obvious that a comprehensive and thorough understanding of
the matter is still lacking. Hence, it seems an appropriate time to provide a
surveying text on this research area.
