3
$\begingroup$

Apology if this question is not appropriate. I was looking to associate entropy to eigenvectors for some of my work and I found the link http://chaos.if.uj.edu.pl/~karol/pdf/ZK94.pdf . This leads to the concept of localization of eigenvectors as mentioned in https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luca_Molinari/publication/236159789_Scaling_Properties_of_Band_Random_Matrices_Giulio_Casati_Luca_Molinari_and_Felix_Izrailev_Phys._Rev._Lett._64_1851_(1990)/links/00463516883193f770000000.pdf

The abstract of the second link is: "It is shown on the basis of numerical data that the normalised localisation length of eigenvectors of band random matrices follows a scaling law. The scaling parameteris b2/N, where Ь measures the band-width and N is the size of the matrix."

May I ask what exactly 'localization length of eigenvectors' means. I understand eigenvectors are generally unity length and it is important for direction only. Can anyone please help.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
2
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ ...why don't you read the paper that introduces that terminology to find out what it means by it? In general quantum mechanics, "localization length of eigenvectors" doesn't mean anything. $\endgroup$
    – ACuriousMind ♦
    Commented Mar 21, 2016 at 21:51
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @ACuriousMind Thank you so much. I never imagined that the idea was introduced in that paper only. Thank you. $\endgroup$
    – Creator
    Commented Mar 21, 2016 at 21:54

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3
$\begingroup$

In certain disordered physical systems, the eigenstates have a localized behavior, in the sense that they fall off exponentially in space like $\psi(x) \approx e^{-x/\xi}$, with $\xi$ defined as the localization length. This is called Anderson localization. If you search for that term here, you can find more information about it, see for example here or here.

I think in this paper they are trying to talk about general properties of the matrices that describe such systems, from a mathematical perspective, so they talk about localization lengths of eigenvectors instead of eigenstates. Out of context, this is indeed rather confusing, but if you reread their introduction with that mindset maybe it will make more sense.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Thank you, I was writing answer to my own question and saw your post. I kept my answer for comments from people. $\endgroup$
    – Creator
    Commented Mar 21, 2016 at 22:47
1
$\begingroup$

The author has extended the idea of Anderson localization as mentioned in the wikipedia link :https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anderson_localization The Anderson localization is defined on wave function (probability distribution). the eigenvectors are associated with wave function and so the connection and hence the author termed it.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.