Why chaotic quantum spectra follow random-matrix statistics

In plain words

Energy levels of quantum systems whose classical motion is chaotic are observed to be spaced like eigenvalues of large random matrices. The mechanism and the exact conditions under which this holds are not established.

Precise statement

For a quantum system whose classical limit is fully chaotic (Anosov flow or ergodic billiard), the unfolded level statistics as $\hbar \to 0$ are expected to match GOE (time-reversal invariant) or GUE (no time-reversal symmetry). Determine the mechanism and the exact class of systems; known exceptions such as arithmetic surfaces show Poisson statistics. Answer: a characterization with proof; the sharper child problems are where work proceeds.

What would settle it

A theorem identifying a class of chaotic systems with random-matrix spectral statistics and explaining the arithmetic exceptions.

Status in the literature

Periodic-orbit theory reproduces the random-matrix form factor to all orders in $\tau$ non-rigorously (Muller, Heusler, Braun, Haake and Altland, 2004).

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