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The conventional probabilistic point of view implies that if a particle has a probability $p$ to make a transition from one site to another site, then the average transport should be $=p}$ with a variance $Var(Q)=(1-p)p$. In the quantum mechanical context this observation becomes a non-trivial manifestation of restricted quantum-classical correspondence. We demonstrate this observation by considering the full counting statistics which is associated with a two level coherent transition in the context of a continuous quantum measurement process. In particular we test the possibility of getting a valid result for $Var(Q)$ within the framework of the adiabatic picture, analyzing the simplest non-trivial example of a Landau-Zener crossing., Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures

The motion of a particle in a ring of length L is influenced by a dirty metal environment whose fluctuations are characterized by a short correlation distance $\ell << L$. We analyze the induced decoherence process, and compare the results with those obtained in the opposing Caldeira-Leggett limit ($\ell >> L$). A proper definition of the dephasing factor that does not depend on a vague semiclassical picture is employed. Some recent Monte-Carlo results about the effect of finite temperatures on "mass renormalization" in this system are illuminated., Comment: 18 pages, 2 figures, some textual improvements, to be published in JPA

We consider a particle coupled to a dissipative environment and derive a perturbative formula for the dephasing rate based on the purity of the reduced probability matrix. We apply this formula to the problem of a particle on a ring, that interacts with a dirty metal environment. At low but finite temperatures we find a dephasing rate $\propto T^{3/2}$, and identify dephasing lengths for large and for small rings. These findings shed light on recent Monte Carlo data regarding the effective mass of the particle. At zero temperature we find that spatial fluctuations suppress the possibility of having a power law decay of coherence., Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure, proofed version to be published in EPL

The amount $Q$ of particles that are transported via a path of motion is characterized by its expectation value $$ and by its variance $Var(Q)$. We analyze what happens if a particle has two optional paths available to get from one site to another site, and in particular what is $Var(Q)$ for the current which is induced in a quantum stirring device. It turns out that coherent splitting and the stirring effect are intimately related and cannot be understood within the framework of the prevailing probabilistic theory., Comment: 11 pages, 2 figures, published version, Latex Eq# corrected

The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a short pedagogical explanation why "quantum collapse" is not a metaphysical event, by pointing out the analogy with a "classical collapse" which is associated with the Monty Hall Paradox., Comment: 6 pages

Consider a multichannel closed ring with disorder. In the semiclassical treatment its conductance is given by the Drude formula. Quantum mechanics challenge this result both in the limit of strong disorder (eigenstates are not quantum-ergodic in real space) and in the limit of weak disorder (eigenstates are not quantum-ergodic in momentum space). Consequently the analysis of conductance requires going beyond linear response theory, leading to a resistor network picture of transitions between energy levels. We demonstrate that our semi-linear response theory provides a firm unified framework from which the "hopping" phenomenology of Mott can be derived., Comment: 5 pages, published version with an extended concluding paragraph

The calculation of the conductance of ballistic rings requires a theory that goes well beyond the Kubo-Drude formula. Assuming "mesoscopic" circumstance of very weak environmental relaxation, the conductance is much smaller compared with the naive expectation. Namely, the electro-motive-force induces an energy absorption with a rate that depends crucially on the possibility to make connected sequences of transitions. Thus the calculation of the mesoscopic conductance is similar to solving a percolation problem. The "percolation" is in energy space rather than in real space. Non-universal structures and sparsity of the perturbation matrix cannot be ignored. The latter are implied by lack of quantum-chaos ergodicity in ring shaped ballistic devices., Comment: 23 pages, 14 figures, improved text, corrected figures

We consider driven systems where the driving induces jumps in energy space: (1) particles pulsed by a step potential; (2) particles in a box with a moving wall; (3) particles in a ring driven by an electro-motive-force. In all these cases the route towards quantum-classical correspondence is highly non-trivial. Some insight is gained by observing that the dynamics in energy space, where $n$ is the level index, is essentially the same as that of Bloch electrons in a tight binding model, where $n$ is the site index. The mean level spacing is like a constant electric field and the driving induces long range hopping 1/(n-m)., Comment: 19 pages, 11 figs, published version with some improved figures

These lecture notes cover undergraduate textbook topics (e.g. as in Sakurai), and also additional advanced topics at the same level of presentation. In particular: EPR and Bell; Basic postulates; The probability matrix; Measurement theory; Entanglement; Quantum computation; Wigner-Weyl formalism; The adiabatic picture; Berry phase; Linear response theory; Kubo formula; Modern approach to scattering theory with mesoscopic orientation; Theory of the resolvent and the Green function; Gauge and Galilei Symmetries; Motion in magnetic field; Quantum Hall effect; Quantization of the electromagnetic field; Fock space formalism., Comment: 295 pages with some figures, textual improvements, no structural changes, equations numbered by section

The Landauer conductance of a two terminal device equals to the number of open modes in the weak scattering limit. What is the corresponding result if we close the system into a ring? Is it still bounded by the number of open modes? Or is it unbounded as in the semi-classical (Drude) analysis? It turns out that the calculation of the mesoscopic conductance is similar to solving a percolation problem. The "percolation" is in energy space rather than in real space. The non-universal structures and the sparsity of the perturbation matrix cannot be ignored., Comment: 7 pages, 8 figures, with the correct version of Figs.6-7

During an adiabatic pumping cycle a conventional two barrier quantum device takes an electron from the left lead and ejects it to the right lead. Hence the pumped charge per cycle is naively expected to be $Q \le e$. This zero order adiabatic point of view is in fact misleading. For a closed device we can get ${Q > e}$ and even ${Q \gg e}$. In this paper a detailed analysis of the quantum pump operation is presented. Using the Kubo formula for the geometric conductance, and applying the Dirac chains picture, we derive practical estimates for~$Q$., Comment: 19 pages, 8 figs, minor textual corretions, to be published in JPA

We discuss the response of a quantum system to a time-dependent perturbation with spectrum \Phi(\omega). This is characterised by a rate constant D describing the diffusion of occupation probability between levels. We calculate the transition rates by first-order perturbation theory, so that multiplying \Phi(\omega) by a constant \lambda changes the diffusion constant to \lambda D. However, we discuss circumstances where this linearity does notextend to the function space of intensities, so that if intensities \Phi_i(\omega) yield diffusion constants D_i, then the intensity \sum_i \Phi_i(\omega) does not result in a diffusion constant \sum_i D_i. This `semilinear' response can occur in the absorption of radiation by small metal particles., Comment: 7 pages, 1 figure

Current can be pumped through a closed system by changing parameters (or fields) in time. Linear response theory (the Kubo formula) allows to analyze both the charge transport and the associated dissipation effect. We make a distinction between adiabatic and non-adiabatic regimes, and explain the subtle limit of an infinite system. As an example we discuss the following question: What is the amount of charge which is pushed by a moving scatterer? In the low frequency (DC) limit we can write dQ=-GdX, where dX is the displacement of the scatterer. Thus the issue is to calculate the generalized conductance $G$., Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures, Lecture notes for the proceedings of the conference "Frontiers of Quantum and Mesoscopic Thermodynamics" [Prague, July 2004]

We study the quantum analog of stirring of water inside a cup using a spoon. This can be regarded as a prototype example for quantum pumping in closed devices. The current in the device is induced by translating a scatterer. Its calculation is done using the Kubo formula approach. The transported charge is expressed as a line integral that encircles chains of Dirac monopoles. For simple systems the results turn out to be counter intuitive: e.g. as we move a small scatterer "forward" the current is induced "backwards". One should realize that the route towards quantum-classical correspondence has to do with "quantum chaos" considerations, and hence assumes greater complexity of the device. We also point out the relation to the familiar $S$ matrix formalism which is used to analyze quantum pumping in open geometries., Comment: 20 pages, 12 figures, improved Introduction

We propose a random matrix modeling for the parametric evolution of eigenstates. The model is inspired by a large class of quantized chaotic systems. Its unique feature is having parametric invariance while still possessing the non-perturbative crossover that has been discussed by Wigner 50 years ago. Of particular interest is the emergence of an additional crossover to multifractality., Comment: 7 pages, 6 figures, expanded version

We make a distinction between the spectroscopic and the mesoscopic conductance of closed systems. We show that the latter is not simply related to the Landauer conductance of the corresponding open system. A new ingredient in the theory is related to the non-universal structure of the perturbation matrix which is generic for quantum chaotic systems. These structures may created bottlenecks that suppress the diffusion in energy space, and hence the rate of energy absorption. The resulting effect is not merely quantitative: For a ring-dot system we find that a smaller Landauer conductance implies a smaller spectroscopic conductance, while the mesoscopic conductance increases. Our considerations open the way towards a realistic theory of dissipation in closed mesoscopic ballistic devices., Comment: 18 pages, 5 figures, published version with updated refs

The multimode conductance of a {\em closed} ring is found within the framework of a scattering approach. The expression can be regarded as a generalization of the Landauer formula. The treatment is essentially {\em classical} because we assume short coherence time. Our starting point is the Kubo formalism, but we also use a master equation approach for the derivation. As an example we calculate the conductance of a multimode waveguide with an attached cavity., Comment: 18 pages, 2 figures, Sections 1 and 6 extended, to be published in Journal of physics A

Considering a quantized chaotic system, we analyze the evolution of its eigenstates as a result of varying a control parameter. As the induced perturbation becomes larger, there is a crossover from a perturbative to a non-perturbative regime, which is reflected in the structural changes of the local density of states. For the first time the {\em full} scenario is explored for a physical system: an Aharonov-Bohm cylindrical billiard. As we vary the magnetic flux, we discover an intermediate twilight regime where perturbative and semiclassical features co-exist. This is in contrast with the {\em simple} crossover from a Lorentzian to a semicircle line-shape which is found in random-matrix models., Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, improved version

The amount of charge which is pushed by a moving scatterer is $dQ = -G dX$, where $dX$ is the displacement of the scatterer. The question is what is $G$. Does it depend on the transmission $g_0$ of the scatterer? Does the answer depend on whether the system is open (with leads attached to reservoirs) or closed? In the latter case: what are the implications of having ``quantum chaos" and/or coupling to to the environment? The answers to these questions illuminate some fundamental aspects of the theory of quantum pumping. For the analysis we take a network (graph) as a model system, and use the Kubo formula approach., Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, minor changes, to be published in PRE (Rapid)

Driven chaotic systems are of interest in mesoscopic physics, as well as in nuclear, atomic and molecular physics. Such systems [coordinates $(Q,P)$]$ tend to absorb energy. This irreversible effect is known as dissipation. "Driving" means that a parameter $x$ is changed in time. More generally, $x$ may be a dynamical variable. In such case the interaction of $(x,p)$ with the environmental degrees of freedom $(Q,P)$ leads to dephasing as well as to dissipation. We introduce a general framework for the analysis of dissipation and dephasing, and we clarify the tight connection to recent studies of quantum irreversibility (also referred to as "Loschmidt echo" or as the "fidelity" of quantum computation). Specific model systems that will be presented are: particle in a box driven by moving a wall, and particle in a box/ring driven by electro-motive-force. These two examples are related to studies of nuclear friction and mesoscopic conductance., Comment: Lecture notes of a course in the 2002 Karpacz school, 19 pages, 18 figures, with Refs updated

It is well known that a Shannon based definition of information entropy leads in the classical case to the Boltzmann entropy. It is tempting to regard the Von Neumann entropy as the corresponding quantum mechanical definition. But the latter is problematic from quantum information point of view. Consequently we introduce a new definition of entropy that reflects the inherent uncertainty of quantum mechanical states. We derive for it an explicit expression, and discuss some of its general properties. We distinguish between the minimum uncertainty entropy of pure states, and the excess statistical entropy of mixtures., Comment: 7 pages, 1 figure

We study the possibility to undo the quantum mechanical evolution in a time reversal experiment. The naive expectation, as reflected in the common terminology ("Loschmidt echo"), is that maximum compensation results if the reversed dynamics extends to the same time as the forward evolution. We challenge this belief, and demonstrate that the time $t_r$ for maximum return probability is in general shorter. We find that $t_r$ depends on $lambda = eps_evol/eps_prep$, being the ratio of the error in setting the parameters (fields) for the time reversed evolution to the perturbation which is involved in the preparation process. Our results should be observable in spin-echo experiments where the dynamical irreversibility of quantum phases is measured., Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, to be published in Phys. Rev. Lett

Quantum pumping in closed systems is considered. We explain that the Kubo formula contains all the physically relevant ingredients for the calculation of the pumped charge ($Q$) within the framework of linear response theory. The relation to the common formulations of adiabatic transport and ``geometric magnetism" is clarified. We distinguish between adiabatic and dissipative contributions to $Q$. On the one hand we observe that adiabatic pumping does not have to be quantized. On the other hand we define circumstances in which quantized adiabatic pumping holds as an approximation. The deviation from exact quantization is related to the Thouless conductance. As an application we discuss the following examples: classical dissipative pumping by conductance control, classical adiabatic (non dissipative) pumping by translation, and quantum pumping in the double barrier model. In the latter context we analyze a 3 site lattice Hamiltonian, which represents the simplest pumping device. We remark on the connection with the popular $S$ matrix formalism which has been used to calculate pumping in open systems., Comment: 16 pages, 3 figures, final version to be published at PRB

Current can be pumped through a closed system by changing parameters (or fields) in time. The Kubo formula allows to distinguish between dissipative and non-dissipative contributions to the current. We obtain a Green function expression and an $S$ matrix formula for the associated terms in the generalized conductance matrix: the "geometric magnetism" term that corresponds to adiabatic transport; and the "Fermi golden rule" term which is responsible to the irreversible absorption of energy. We explain the subtle limit of an infinite system, and demonstrate the consistency with the formulas by Landauer and Buttiker, Pretre and Thomas. We also discuss the generalization of the fluctuation-dissipation relation, and the implications of the Onsager reciprocity., Comment: 4 page paper, 1 figure (published version) + 2 page appendix

For chaotic systems there is a theory for the decay of the survival probability, and for the parametric dependence of the local density of states. This theory leads to the distinction between "perturbative" and "non-perturbative" regimes, and to the observation that semiclassical tools are useful in the latter case. We discuss what is "left" from this theory in the case of one-dimensional systems. We demonstrate that the remarkably accurate {\em uniform} semiclassical approximation captures the physics of {\em all} the different regimes, though it cannot take into account the effect of strong localization., Comment: 17 pages, 2 figures, textual improvements

We discuss the possibility of having "quantum dissipation" due to the interaction with chaotic degrees of freedom. We define the conditions that should be satisfied in order to have a dissipative effect similar to the one due to an interaction with a (many body) bath. We also compare with the case where the environment is modeled by a random matrix model. In case of interaction with "chaos" we observe a regime where the relaxation process is non-universal, and reflects the underlaying semiclassical dynamics. As an example we consider a two level system (spin) that interacts with a two dimensional anharmonic oscillator., Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure, final improved version, to be published as Phys Rev. E Rapid Communication

We present an optical "enantio-selective switch", that, in two steps, turns a ("racemic") mixture of left-handed and right-handed chiral molecules into the enantiomerically pure state of interest. The optical switch is composed of an "enantio-discriminator" and an "enantio-converter" acting in tandem. The method is robust, insensitive to decay processes, and does not require molecular preorientation. We demonstrate the method on the purification of a racemate of (transiently chiral) D$_2$S$_2$ molecules, performed on the nanosecond timescale., Comment: REVTEX4, 4 pages, 3 Postscript figures

Pumping of charge (Q) in a closed ring geometry is not quantized even in the strict adiabatic limit. The deviation form exact quantization can be related to the Thouless conductance. We use Kubo formalism as a starting point for the calculation of both the dissipative and the adiabatic contributions to Q. As an application we bring examples for classical dissipative pumping, classical adiabatic pumping, and in particular we make an explicit calculation for quantum pumping in case of the simplest pumping device, which is a 3 site lattice model., Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures. The long published version is cond-mat/0307619. This is the short unpublished version

Quantized chaotic systems are generically characterized by two energy scales: the mean level spacing $\Delta$, and the bandwidth $\Delta_b\propto\hbar$. This implies that with respect to driving such systems have an adiabatic, a perturbative, and a non-perturbative regimes. A "strong" quantal non-perturbative response effect is found for {\em disordered} systems that are described by random matrix theory models. Is there a similar effect for quantized {\em chaotic} systems? Theoretical arguments cannot exclude the existence of a "weak" non-perturbative response effect, but our numerics demonstrate an unexpected degree of semiclassical correspondence., Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures, final version to be published in JPA

We study the evolution of the energy distribution for a stadium with moving walls. We consider one period driving cycle, which is characterized by an amplitude $A$ and wall velocity $V$. This evolving energy distribution has both "parametric" and "stochastic" components. The latter are important for the theory of quantum irreversibility and dissipation in driven mesoscopic devices (eg in the context of quantum computation). For extremely slow wall velocity $V$ the spreading mechanism is dominated by transitions between neighboring levels, while for larger (non-adiabatic) velocities the spreading mechanism has both perturbative and non-perturbative features. We present, for the first time, a numerical study which is aimed in identifying the latter features. A procedure is developed for the determination of the various $V$ regimes. The possible implications on linear response theory are discussed., Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures, improved version

Relation between the geometry of a two-dimensional sample and its equilibrium physical properties is exemplified here for a system of non-interacting electrons on a Moebius strip. Dispersion relation for a clean sample is derived and its persistent current under moderate disorder is elucidated, using statistical analysis pertinent to a single sample experiment. The flux periodicity is found to be distinct from that in a cylindrical sample, and the essential role of disorder in the ability to experimentally identify a Moebius strip is pointed out., Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures

The main idea of "Quantum Chaos" studies is that Quantum Mechanics introduces two energy scales into the study of chaotic systems: One is obviously the mean level spacing $\Delta\propto\hbar^d$, where $d$ is the dimensionality; The other is $\Delta_b\propto\hbar$, which is known as the non-universal energy scale, or as the bandwidth, or as the Thouless energy. Associated with these two energy scales are two special quantum-mechanical (QM) regimes in the theory of driven system. These are the QM adiabatic regime, and the QM non-perturbative regime respectively. Otherwise Fermi golden rule applies, and linear response theory can be trusted. Demonstrations of this general idea, that had been published in 1999, have appeared in studies of wavepacket dynamics, survival probability, dissipation, quantum irreversibility, fidelity and dephasing., Comment: 3 pages. The presentation is intended for non-specialists

The analysis of dissipation and dephasing in driven mesoscopic devices requires a distinction between two notions of quantum irreversibility. One ("Loschmidt echo") is related to "time reversal", while the other is related to "driving reversal". In the latter context the time of maximum return (compensation) should substitute the inappropriate notion of "echo" time. Non-perturbative features manifest themselves in the energy spreading process. This is demonstrated for the prototype random-matrix Wigner model, where the compensation time and the system response exhibit a non-universal scaling behavior., Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, published EPL format

The idea of perturbation independent decay (PID) has appeared in the context of survival-probability studies, and lately has emerged in the context of quantum irreversibility studies. In both cases the PID reflects the Lyapunov instability of the underlying semiclassical dynamics, and it can be distinguished from the Wigner-type decay that holds in the perturbative regime. The theory of the survival probability is manifestly related to the parametric theory of the local density of states (LDOS). In this Paper we demonstrate that in spite of the common "ideology", the physics of quantum irreversibility is {\em not} trivially related to the parametric theory of the LDOS. Rather, it is essential to take into account subtle cross correlations which are not captured by the LDOS alone., Comment: 7 pages, 2 figures, published version

The plane-wave decomposition method (PWDM), a widely used means of numerically finding eigenstates of the Helmholtz equation in billiard systems is described as a variant of the mathematically well-established boundary integral method (BIM). A new unified framework encompassing the two methods is discussed. Furthermore, a third numerical method, which we call the Gauge Freedom Method (GFM) is derived from the BIM equations. This opens the way to further improvements in eigenstate search techniques., Comment: 24 pages, 9 figures, textual improvements

Consider a classically chaotic system which is described by a Hamiltonian H_0. At t=0 the Hamiltonian undergoes a sudden-change H_0 -> H. We consider the quantum-mechanical spreading of the evolving energy distribution, and argue that it cannot be analyzed using a random-matrix theory (RMT) approach. RMT can be trusted only to the extend that it gives trivial results that are implied by first-order perturbation theory. Non-perturbative effects are sensitive to the underlying classical dynamics, and therefore the hbar-->0 behavior for effective RMT models is strikingly different from the correct semiclassical limit., Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures

We consider the motion of a particle, taking into account its interaction with environmental degrees of freedom. The dephasing time is determined by the nature of the environment, and depends on the particle velocity. Our interest is in the case where the environment consists of few chaotic degrees of freedom. We obtain results for the dephasing time, and compare them with those of the effective-bath approach. The latter approach is based on the conjecture that the environment can be modelled as a collection of infinitely many harmonic oscillators. The work is related to studies of driven systems, quantum irreversibility, and fidelity. The specific model that we consider requires the solution of the problem of a particle-in-a-box with moving wall, whose 1D version is related to the Fermi acceleration problem., Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures. To be published in Phys. Rev. E. This detailed version includes discussion of quantum irreversibility

There are three regimes in the theory of energy absorption: The adiabatic regime, the linear-response (Kubo) regime, and the non-perturbative regime. The mesoscopic Drude formula for electrical conductance, and the wall formula for friction, can be regarded as special cases of the general formulation of the dissipation problem. The overview is based on a research report for 1998-2000., Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures

The motion of a particle under the influence of a dynamical disorder is described by the DLD model. One motivation is to understand the motion of an electron inside a metal; Another is to understand quantal Brownian motion. The overview is based on a research report for 1996-1998., Comment: 3 pages, 2 figures

We consider a classically chaotic system that is described by a Hamiltonian H(Q,P;x), where (Q,P) describes a particle moving inside a cavity, and x controls a deformation of the boundary. The quantum-eigenstates of the system are |n(x)>. We describe how the parametric kernel P(n|m) = , also known as the local density of states, evolves as a function of x-x0. We illuminate the non-unitary nature of this parametric evolution, the emergence of non-perturbative features, the final non-universal saturation, and the limitations of random-wave considerations. The parametric evolution is demonstrated numerically for two distinct representative deformation processes., Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures, improved introduction, to be published in Phys. Rev. E

We consider the response of a chaotic cavity in d dimensions to periodic driving. We are motivated by older studies of one-body dissipation in nuclei, and also by anticipated mesoscopic applications. For calculating the rate of energy absorption due to time-dependent deformation of the confining potential, we introduce an improved version of the wall formula. Our formulation takes into account that a special class of deformations causes no heating in the zero-frequency limit. We also derive a mesoscopic version of the Drude formula, and explain that it can be regarded as a special example of our calculations. Specifically we consider a quantum dot driven by electro-motive force which is induced by a time-dependent homogeneous magnetic field., Comment: 24 pages, 15 figures, mesoscopic Drude section much improved, to be published in J. Phys. A

Consider a time-dependent Hamiltonian $H(Q,P;x(t))$ with periodic driving $x(t)=A\sin(\Omega t)$. It is assumed that the classical dynamics is chaotic, and that its power-spectrum extends over some frequency range $|\omega|<\omega_{cl}$. Both classical and quantum-mechanical (QM) linear response theory (LRT) predict a relatively large response for $\Omega<\omega_{cl}$, and a relatively small response otherwise, independently of the driving amplitude $A$. We define a non-perturbative regime in the $(\Omega,A)$ space, where LRT fails, and demonstrate this failure numerically. For $A>A_{prt}$, where $A_{prt}\propto\hbar$, the system may have a relatively strong response for $\Omega>\omega_{cl}$, and the shape of the response function becomes $A$ dependent., Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, revised version with much better introduction

We consider chaotic billiards in d dimensions, and study the matrix elements M_{nm} corresponding to general deformations of the boundary. We analyze the dependence of |M_{nm}|^2 on \omega = (E_n-E_m)/\hbar using semiclassical considerations. This relates to an estimate of the energy dissipation rate when the deformation is periodic at frequency \omega. We show that for dilations and translations of the boundary, |M_{nm}|^2 vanishes like \omega^4 as \omega -> 0, for rotations like \omega^2, whereas for generic deformations it goes to a constant. Such special cases lead to quasi-orthogonality of the eigenstates on the boundary., Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures

We study a classically chaotic system which is described by a Hamiltonian $H(Q,P;x)$ where $(Q,P)$ are the canonical coordinates of a particle in a 2D well, and $x$ is a parameter. By changing $x$ we can deform the `shape' of the well. The quantum-eigenstates of the system are $|n(x)>$. We analyze numerically how the parametric kernel $P(n|m)= ||^2$ evolves as a function of $x-x0$. This kernel, regarded as a function of $n-m$, characterizes the shape of the wavefunctions, and it also can be interpreted as the local density of states (LDOS). The kernel $P(n|m)$ has a well defined classical limit, and the study addresses the issue of quantum-classical correspondence (QCC). We distinguish between restricted QCC and detailed QCC. Both the perturbative and the non-perturbative regimes are explored. The limitations of the random-matrix-theory (RMT) approach are demonstrated., Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures, long detailed version

Energy absorption by driven chaotic systems, the theory of energy spreading and quantal Brownian motion are considered. In particular we discuss the theory of a classical particle that interacts with quantal chaotic degrees of freedom, and try to relate it to the problem of quantal particle that interacts with an effective harmonic bath., Comment: 36-page lecture notes of the course in Varenna school, Session CXLIII "New Directions in Quantum Chaos", Italy (July 1999)

The angle coordinate of the Quantum Kicked Rotator problem is treated as if it were an extended coordinate. A new mechanism for destruction of coherence by noise is analyzed using both heuristic and formal approach. Its effectiveness constitutes a manifestation of long-range non-trivial dynamical correlations. Perturbation theory fails to quantify certain aspects of this effect. In the perturbative case, for sufficiently weak noise, the diffusion coefficient ${\cal D}$ is just proportional to the noise intensity $\nu$. It is predicted that in some generic cases one may have a non-perturbative dependence ${\cal D}\propto\nu^{\alpha}$ with $0.35 < \alpha < 0.38$ for arbitrarily weak noise. This work has been found relevant to the recently studied ionization of H-atoms by a microwave electric field in the presence of noise. Note added (a): Borgonovi and Shepelyansky have adopted this idea of non-perturbative transport, and have demonstrated that the same effect manifests itself in the tight-binding Anderson model with the same exponent $\alpha$. Note added (b): The recent interest in the work reported here comes from the experimental work by the Austin group and by the Auckland group. In these experiment the QKP model is realized literally. However, the novel effect of non-perturbative transport, reported in this Letter, has not been tested yet., Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure. Written in 1991. Notes added 1999. New interest due to recent experiments

We apply random-matrix-theory (RMT) to the analysis of evolution of wavepackets in energy space. We study the crossover from ballistic behavior to saturation, the possibility of having an intermediate diffusive behavior, and the feasibility of strong localization effect. Both theoretical considerations and numerical results are presented. Using quantal-classical correspondence (QCC) considerations we question the validity of the emerging dynamical picture. In particular we claim that the appearance of the intermediate diffusive behavior is possibly an artifact of the RMT strategy., Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, improved version, to be published in Phys. Rev. Lett

We consider a classically chaotic system that is described by an Hamiltonian $H(Q,P;x)$ where x is a constant parameter. Our main interest is in the case of a gas-particle inside a cavity, where $x$ controls a deformation of the boundary or the position of a `piston'. The quantum-eigenstates of the system are $|n(x)>$. We describe how the parametric kernel $P(n|m)=||^2$ evolves as a function of $\delta x = (x-x_0)$. We explore both the perturbative and the non-perturbative regimes, and discuss the capabilities and the limitations of semiclassical as well as of random-waves and random-matrix-theory (RMT) considerations., Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure. Improved presentation. To be published in Phys. Rev. Lett

We make the first steps towards a generic theory for energy spreading and quantum dissipation. The Wall formula for the calculation of friction in nuclear physics and the Drude formula for the calculation of conductivity in mesoscopic physics can be regarded as two special results of the general formulation. We assume a time-dependent Hamiltonian $H(Q,P;x(t))$ with $x(t)=Vt$, where $V$ is slow in a classical sense. The rate-of-change $V$ is not necessarily slow in the quantum-mechanical sense. Dissipation means an irreversible systematic growth of the (average) energy. It is associated with the stochastic spreading of energy across levels. The latter can be characterized by a transition probability kernel $P_t(n|m)$ where $n$ and $m$ are level indices. This kernel is the main object of the present study. In the classical limit, due to the (assumed) chaotic nature of the dynamics, the second moment of $P_t(n|m)$ exhibits a crossover from ballistic to diffusive behavior. We define the $V$ regimes where either perturbation theory or semiclassical considerations are applicable in order to establish this crossover in the quantal case. In the limit $\hbar\to 0$ perturbation theory does not apply but semiclassical considerations can be used in order to argue that there is detailed correspondence, during the crossover time. In the perturbative regime there is a lack of such correspondence. Namely, $P_t(n|m)$ is characterized by a perturbative core-tail structure that persists during the crossover time. In spite of this lack of (detailed) correspondence there may be still a restricted correspondence as far as the second-moment is concerned. Such restricted correspondence is essential in order to establish the universal fluctuation-dissipation relation., Comment: 46 pages, 6 figures, 4 Tables. To be published in Annals of Physics. Appendix F improved