Nodal Sets of Random Eigenfunctions for the Isotropic Harmonic Oscillator

Abstract

We consider Gaussian random eigenfunctions (Hermite functions) of fixed energy level of the isotropic semi-classical Harmonic Oscillator on ${\mathbf{R}}^n$. We calculate the expected density of zeros of a random eigenfunction in the semi-classical limit $h\to 0.$ In the allowed region the density is of order $h^{-1},$ while in the forbidden region the density is of order $h^{-\frac{1}{2}}$. The computer graphics due to E.J. Heller illustrate this difference in "frequency" between the allowed and forbidden nodal sets.

3 figures, 2 due to E. J. Heller. Corrected the calculation in the forbidden region