Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
Published on: September 5, 2019
Symmetry breaking between statistically equivalent, independent channels in few-channel chaotic scattering
C Mejía-Monasterio1, G Oshanin, G Schehr
1Laboratory of Physical Properties, Technical University of Madrid, Avenida Complutense s/n, E-28040 Madrid, Spain. carlos.mejia@upm.es
Abstract:
We study the distribution function P(ω) of the random variable ω=τ(1)/(τ(1)+···+τ(N)), where τ(k)'s are the partial Wigner delay times for chaotic scattering in a disordered system with N independent, statistically equivalent channels. In this case, τ(k)'s are independent and identically distributed random variables with a distribution Ψ(τ) characterized by a "fat" power-law intermediate tail ~1/τ(1+μ), truncated by an exponential (or a log-normal) function of τ. For N=2 and N=3, we observe a surprisingly rich behavior of P(ω), revealing a breakdown of the symmetry between identical independent channels. For N=2, numerical simulations of the quasi-one-dimensional Anderson model confirm our findings.
Related Concept Videos
Interference and Diffraction
Symmetry in Maxwell's Equations
Even and Odd Signals
IR Spectrum Peak Splitting: Symmetric vs Asymmetric Vibrations
The Pauli Exclusion Principle
Interference: Path Lengths
Two special sources may be considered when they are in phase. This can be easily achieved by feeding the two sources from the same source. An example would be synchronizing the two speakers by feeding them with the same source, such as the sound waves produced by a tuning fork. This setup ensures that the two sources have the same frequency and are...

