Random-Matrix Theory and Universal Statistics for Disordered Quantum Conductors

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Abstract
An Ansatz is proposed for the joint probability distribution of the eigenvalues of the transfer matrix in the quantum transport problem, based on symmetry arguments and a "maximum entropy" hypothesis. The local statistical behavior of the distribution is predicted to be that of the well-known random-matrix ensembles of Wigner and Dyson; and this result is confirmed by independent numerical calculations. For metals this behavior leads to size- and disorder-independent conductance fluctuations, and this approach suggests an alternative framework for the scaling theory of localization.