Random Matrix Theory of Scattering in Chaotic and Disordered Media

Jean-Louis Pichard

Published 2001-07-20Version 1

We review the random matrix theory describing elastic scattering through zero-dimensional ballistic cavities (having chaotic classical dynamics) and quasi-one dimensional disordered systems. In zero dimension, general symmetry considerations (flux conservation and time reversal symmetry) are only considered, while the combination law of scatterers put in series is taken into account in quasi-one dimension. Originally developed for calculating the distribution of the electrical conductance of mesoscopic systems, this theory naturally reveals the universal behaviors characterizing elastic scattering of various scalar waves.