Ising Model Observables and Non-Backtracking Walks

Abstract: This paper presents an alternative proof of the connection between the partition function of the Ising model on a finite graph $G$ and the set of non-backtracking walks on $G$. The techniques used also give formulas for spin-spin correlation functions in terms of non-backtracking walks. The main tools used are Viennot's theory of heaps of pieces and turning numbers on surfaces.