Random-matrix physics: spectrum and strength fluctuations

T. A. Brody, J. Flores, J. B. French, P. A. Mello, A. Pandey, and S. S. M. Wong
Rev. Mod. Phys. 53, 385 – Published 1 July 1981
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Abstract

It now appears that the general nature of the deviations from uniformity in the spectrum of a complicated nucleus is essentially the same in all regions of the spectrum and over the entire Periodic Table. This behavior, moreover, is describable in terms of standard Hamiltonian ensembles which could be generated on the basis of simple information-theory concepts, and which give also a good account of fluctuation phenomena of other kinds and, apparently, in other many-body systems besides nuclei. The main departures from simple behavior are ascribable to the moderation of the level repulsion by effects due to symmetries and collectivities, for the description of which more complicated ensembles are called for. One purpose of this review is to give a self-contained account of the theory, using methods—sometimes approximate—which are consonant with the usual theory of stochastic processes. Another purpose is to give a proper foundation for the use of ensemble theory, to make clear the origin of the simplicities in the observable fluctuations, and to derive other general fluctuation results. In comparing theory and experiment, the authors give an analysis of much of the nuclear-energy-level data, as well as an extended discussion of observable effects in nuclear transitions and reactions and in the low-temperature thermodynamics of aggregates of small metallic particles.

    DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.53.385

    ©1981 American Physical Society

    Authors & Affiliations

    T. A. Brody

    • Instituto de Física, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México 20, D. F. México

    J. Flores

    • Instituto de Física, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México 20, D. F. México

    J. B. French*

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627

    P. A. Mello

    • Institut de Física, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México México 20, D. F. México

    A. Pandey

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627

    S. S. M. Wong

    • Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    • *John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellow, 1977-78.

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    Issue

    Vol. 53, Iss. 3 — July - September 1981

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