Quantum Chaos connects quantum and chaos physics, giving rise to two fundamentally different versions of indeterminism. Quantum mechanics holds that classical particle trajectories become indeterminate when studied under conditions that bring forth the wave nature of matter. Within classical physics, trajectories follow deterministic laws but are nevertheless unpredictable if the motion is chaotic. Quantum indeterminism and classical chaos conspire to create effects that become observable at the transition between microscopic (atomic) and macroscopic scales. For example, a characteristic phenomenon of quantum chaos is that quantum wave effects help suppress the instability of chaotic motion.

See also CHAOS THEORY; PHYSICS, QUANTUM; UNPREDICTABILITY

WOLFGANG ACHTNER

JENS NOECKEL