Spectral Patterns

By Olena Shmahalo

February 5, 2013

The red pattern exhibits a precise balance of randomness and regularity known as "universality," which has been observed in the spectra of many complex, correlated systems. In this spectrum, a mathematical formula called the "correlation function" gives the exact probability of finding two lines spaced a given distance apart.
Comment

Illustration by Quanta Magazine

Comment on this article

Quanta Magazine moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Abusive, profane, self-promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected. Moderators are staffed during regular business hours (New York time) and can only accept comments written in English.