The generic quantum $tau_2$-model (also known as Baxter-Bazhanov-Stroganov (BBS) model) with periodic boundary condition is studied via the off-diagonal Bethe Ansatz method. The eigenvalues of the corresponding transfer matrix (solutions of the recur
sive functional relations in $tau_j$-hierarchy) with generic site-dependent inhomogeneity parameters are given in terms of an inhomogeneous T-Q relation with polynomial Q-functions. The associated Bethe Ansatz equations are obtained. Numerical solutions of the Bethe Ansatz equations for small number of sites indicate that the inhomogeneous T-Q relation does indeed give the complete spectrum.
Based on the inhomogeneous T-Q relation constructed via the off-diagonal Bethe Ansatz, the Bethe-type eigenstates of the XXZ spin-1/2 chain with arbitrary boundary fields are constructed. It is found that by employing two sets of gauge transformation
s, proper generators and reference state for constructing Bethe vectors can be obtained respectively. Given an inhomogeneous T-Q relation for an eigenvalue, it is proven that the resulting Bethe state is an eigenstate of the transfer matrix, provided that the parameters of the generators satisfy the associated Bethe Ansatz equations.
Based on the inhomogeneous T-Q relation constructed via the off-diagonal Bethe Ansatz, a systematic method for retrieving the Bethe-type eigenstates of integrable models without obvious reference state is developed by employing certain orthogonal bas
is of the Hilbert space. With the XXZ spin torus model and the open XXX spin-1/2 chain as examples, we show that for a given inhomogeneous T-Q relation and the associated Bethe Ansatz equations, the constructed Bethe-type eigenstate has a well-defined homogeneous limit.
The Izergin-Korepin model with general non-diagonal boundary terms, a typical integrable model beyond A-type and without U(1)-symmetry, is studied via the off-diagonal Bethe ansatz method. Based on some intrinsic properties of the R-matrix and the K-
matrices, certain operator product identities of the transfer matrix are obtained at some special points of the spectral parameter. These identities and the asymptotic behaviors of the transfer matrix together allow us to construct the inhomogeneous T-Q relation and the associated Bethe ansatz equations. In the diagonal boundary limit, the reduced results coincide exactly with those obtained via other methods.
