Alternative solutions to diluted p-spin models and XORSAT problems

We derive analytical solutions for p-spin models with finite connectivity at zero temperature. These models are the statistical mechanics equivalent of p-XORSAT problems in theoretical computer science. We give a full characterization of the phase diagram: location of the phase transitions (static and dynamic), together with a description of the clustering phenomenon taking place in configurational space. We use two alternative methods: the cavity approach and a rigorous derivation.