Generalized random matrix conjecture for chaotic systems

Abstract

The eigenvalues of quantum chaotic systems have been conjectured to follow, in the large energy limit, the statistical distribution of eigenvalues of random ensembles of matrices of size $N\to \infty$. Here we provide semiclassical arguments that extend the validity of this correspondence to finite energies. We conjecture that the spectrum of a generic fully chaotic system without time-reversal symmetry has, around some large but finite energy $E$, the same statistical properties as the Circular Unitary Ensemble of random matrices of dimension $N_{\rm eff} = \tH / \sqrt{24 d_1}$, where $\tH$ is Heisenberg time and $\sqrt{d_1}$ is a characteristic classical time, both evaluated at energy $E$. A corresponding conjecture is also made for chaotic maps.

14 pages, no figures