Applications of random matrix theory to condensed matter and optical physics

C. W. J. Beenakker

Published 2009-04-09, updated 2009-07-18Version 2

This is a cursory overview of applications of concepts from random matrix theory (RMT) to quantum electronics and classical & quantum optics. The emphasis is on phenomena, predicted or explained by RMT, that have actually been observed in experiments on quantum wires, quantum dots, disordered wave guides, and chaotic resonators. Topics considered include universal conductance fluctuations, weak localization and coherent backscattering, sub-Poissonian shot noise and open transmission channels, non-Gaussian conductance and thermopower distributions, mesoscopic superconductivity, grey-body radiation, and chaotic laser cavities.