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Equation reveals the characteristics of quantum chaos

Date:
September 4, 2017
Source:
Lund University
Summary:
Researchers have now succeeded in formulating a mathematical result that provides an exact answer to the question of how chaos actually behaves. The researchers have analyzed chaotic states at the atomic level.
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Researchers have now succeeded in formulating a mathematical result that provides an exact answer to the question of how chaos actually behaves. The researchers have analyzed chaotic states at the atomic level.

What does chaos look like in the smallest of worlds that we can imagine -- inside atoms? The world in there behaves a lot differently to the world that we experience; the protons and neutrons in the nucleus are waves. In this microcosmos, the so-called quantum world, the normal rules of nature do not apply, but in terms of the state called chaos, there are universal features that are present, regardless of the level of existence.

In a new study, a research group including researchers from Lund University, has therefore set out to tackle the theory of quantum chaos, i.e. they have studied the chaotic state at quantum level. The theory of quantum chaos is about explaining the irregular movements of both electrons and nuclei, as well as the irregular movements of, for example, rays of light in optical instruments with complex geometries, or sound waves in a furnished room.

The researchers have analyzed statistical properties at different energy levels in a quantum chaos state. Although the research is theoretical, it has practical applications. Chaos theory and the associated concept of random matrices are used in different contexts where there is an attempt to describe and analyze chaotic states. These contexts include financial instruments, brain surgery and even the string theory for the universe.

"In chaotic quantum systems, the energy levels repel each other, and they affect each other even if they are far apart," states Vladimir Osipov, a researcher at Lund University's Faculty of Science and one of the authors of the new study.

He notes that it is difficult to make computer calculations for a specific quantum chaos state, as chaotic systems are extremely sensitive to the initial numbers entered in calculations. Small differences in initial values can produce large diviations in the final result of the calculation. However, due to the results of the new study, it is possible from now on to use an exact, mathematical equation to predict the characteristics of chaos without such extensive number-crunching.

"Yes, we now have an exact equation. Personally, I am actually surprised that it was possible at all," says Vladimir Osipov.


Story Source:

Materials provided by Lund University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Roman Riser, Vladimir Al. Osipov, Eugene Kanzieper. Power Spectrum of Long Eigenlevel Sequences in Quantum Chaotic Systems. Physical Review Letters, 2017; 118 (20) DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.118.204101

Cite This Page:

Lund University. "Equation reveals the characteristics of quantum chaos." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 4 September 2017. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170904093722.htm>.
Lund University. (2017, September 4). Equation reveals the characteristics of quantum chaos. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 3, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170904093722.htm
Lund University. "Equation reveals the characteristics of quantum chaos." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170904093722.htm (accessed December 3, 2024).

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