Quantum Chaotic Scattering

Quantum chaotic scattering is a new subfield of quantum chaos which focusses on the common features underlying such diverse subjects as, e.g., Ericson fluctuations in nuclear physics and conductance fluctuations in solid state physics. With the help of a physical example (the “Dipole Model”) quantum chaotic scattering is introduced and its pertinent features are discussed. Examples for chaotic scattering taken from various areas of physics and physical chemistry demonstrate importance and universality of quantum chaotic scattering. The connection to random matrix theory is made. It is shown that the quantum scattering matrix in the classically chaotic parameter regime resembles a random matrix drawn from Dyson’s circular ensemble in the limit ћ → 0. Physical scattering potentials are studied in detail and a transition from regular to chaotic and back to regular quantum scattering as a function of the incident energy is presented. Several experimental setups are proposed which may provide an experimental test for the theoretical predictions.