Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:2609.00162

Duality between the level statistics of Hermitian and non-Hermitian random matrices

Ze Chen, Zhenyu Xiao, Yifei Liu, Shinsei Ryu

cond-mat.stat-mechcond-mat.mes-hallquant-phSubmitted Aug 31, 2026• Announced Sep 2, 2026
v1 · Aug 31, 2026v2 · Sep 25, 2026
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Random matrix theory describes complex quantum systems statistically, with symmetry as its organizing principle. We uncover an exact duality between the level statistics of Hermitian and non-Hermitian random matrices in the large-$N$ (matrix size) limit. It acts class by class: the two replica partition functions, given by fermionic nonlinear $σ$ models, are related by analytic continuation. Applied to the three Wigner--Dyson classes, the duality yields the universal bulk eigenvalue pair-correlation functions of non-Hermitian random matrices. This establishes a non-Hermitian counterpart of Dyson's threefold way, organized by transposition symmetry: generic complex, complex symmetric, and complex self-dual matrices. The dissipative spectral form factors of these classes follow in closed form as well. Applied to the seven nonstandard Altland--Zirnbauer classes, the duality yields the exact spectral densities near the origin, the non-Hermitian hard-edge statistics. Most of these statistics were previously known only numerically. Exact diagonalization confirms the analytical predictions, and physical models demonstrate their universality. We expect these results to be the tip of a deeper correspondence between Hermitian and non-Hermitian random matrix theory.

Related papers

Parametric correlations in non-Hermitian quantum chaos: random matrix approach

Yan V. Fyodorov, Bertrand Lacroix-A-Chez-Toine

Motivated by the surge of interest in statistics of non-Hermitian random matrices as a framework for description of universal characteristics of dissipative chaotic quantum many-body systems, we address the problem of characterizing the parametric correlations of spectral densities. Considering parameter-dependent ensemble of complex Ginibre matrices we derive an explicit, closed-form expression for the parametric number covariance in the systems of symmetry class $\mathbf{A}$ for eigenvalues in a circular domain containing on average a finite number of eigenvalues in the spectral bulk. This behavior is expected to be universal, as further supported by numerical evidence for the real Ginibre ensemble, non-Hermitian Bernoulli Wigner matrices and bi-unitarily invariant ensembles. We also discuss a relation between parametric correlations of spectral densities and the distribution of the so-called eigenvector non-orthogonality factor, which attracted considerable interest in recent years.

quant-pharXiv:2606.20824•Jun 22, 2026

Exact probability distributions of complex spacing ratios in non-Hermitian random matrices

Kohei Kawabata

The complex spacing ratio is the complex displacement from a reference eigenvalue to its nearest neighbor divided by the corresponding displacement to its next-to-nearest neighbor. Its statistics provide a useful diagnostic of spectral correlations and nonintegrability in open quantum systems. Here, starting from the exact joint eigenvalue probability densities, we derive finite-$N$ complex-spacing-ratio distributions for the Gaussian ensembles of non-Hermitian random matrices in classes AI$^†$ and AII$^†$, realized by complex symmetric and complex self-dual random matrices, respectively. In class AII$^†$, we obtain an exact algebraic expression for arbitrary $N$ and explicitly evaluate the distributions and representative moments for $N=3, 4, 5, 6$. In class AI$^†$, although the joint density retains a noncompact integral over nonunitary eigenvector degrees of freedom, we analytically derive a normalized one-dimensional integral representation for $N=3$ and determine the asymptotic behavior, including a logarithmic correction to the cubic level repulsion and a nonanalytic contribution to the angular density. We further confirm these analytical results through direct numerical diagonalization of non-Hermitian random matrices.

cond-mat.dis-nnCross-listedarXiv:2609.35230•Sep 29, 2026

Universal Eigenvector Statistics of Non-Hermitian Random Matrices

Ze Chen, Zhenyu Xiao, Shinsei Ryu

Eigenvector overlaps quantify nonorthogonality and govern the response and dynamics of non-Hermitian systems. We extend the universality of non-Hermitian random matrices to the statistics of these overlaps. We obtain analytical expressions for eigenvector overlaps in the spectral bulk and near the origin, covering ten symmetry classes in the limit of large matrix size. Using fermionic replica nonlinear $σ$ models, we relate these overlaps to Hermitian level statistics, symmetry class by symmetry class and topological sector by topological sector. Numerical calculations in various physical models support the universality of the normalized overlaps in the regimes studied. Our work establishes a duality between Hermitian level statistics and non-Hermitian eigenvector overlaps.

cond-mat.stat-mechCross-listedarXiv:2609.22079•Sep 21, 2026

Non-Hermitian Disordered Systems

Kohei Kawabata, Shinsei Ryu

Non-Hermitian disordered systems have emerged as a central arena in modern physics, with ramifications spanning condensed matter, quantum, statistical, and high energy contexts. The same principles also underlie phenomena beyond physics, such as network science, complex systems, and biophysics, where dissipation, nonreciprocity, and stochasticity are ubiquitous. Here, we review the physics and mathematics of non-Hermitian disordered systems, with particular emphasis on non-Hermitian random matrix theory. We begin by presenting the 38-fold symmetry classification of non-Hermitian systems, contrasting it with the 10-fold way for Hermitian systems. After introducing the classic Ginibre ensembles of non-Hermitian random matrices, we survey various diagnostics for complex-spectral statistics and distinct universality classes realized by symmetry. As a key application to physics, we discuss how non-Hermitian random matrix theory characterizes chaos and integrability in open quantum systems. We then turn to the criticality due to the interplay of disorder and non-Hermiticity, including Anderson transitions in the Hatano-Nelson model and its higher-dimensional extensions. We also discuss the effective field theory description of non-Hermitian disordered systems in terms of nonlinear sigma models.

cond-mat.mes-hallCross-listedarXiv:2603.20393•Mar 24, 2026

Many-Body Quantum Chaos and Emergence of Ginibre Ensemble

Saumya Shivam, Andrea De Luca, David A. Huse +1 more

We show that non-Hermitian Ginibre random matrix behaviors emerge in spatially extended many-body quantum chaotic systems in the space direction, just as Hermitian random matrix behaviors emerge in chaotic systems in the time direction. Starting with translational invariant models, which can be associated with dual transfer matrices with complex-valued spectra, we show that the linear ramp of the spectral form factor necessitates that the dual spectra have nontrivial correlations, which in fact fall under the universality class of the Ginibre ensemble, demonstrated by computing the level spacing distribution and the dissipative spectral form factor. As a result of this connection, the exact spectral form factor for the Ginibre ensemble can be used to universally describe the spectral form factor for translational invariant many-body quantum chaotic systems in the scaling limit where t and L are large, while the ratio between L and L_{Th}, the many-body Thouless length is fixed. With appropriate variations of Ginibre models, we analytically demonstrate that our claim generalizes to models without translational invariance as well. The emergence of the Ginibre ensemble is a genuine consequence of the strongly interacting and spatially extended nature of the quantum chaotic systems we consider, unlike the traditional emergence of Hermitian random matrix ensembles.

arXiv:2207.12390•Physical Review Letters•Apr 7, 2023•40 citations

Exact joint eigenvalue densities of non-Hermitian random matrices are Calogero scattering states

Zhenyu Xiao, Ze Chen, Shinsei Ryu

Determining exact joint eigenvalue densities is central to random matrix theory. We solve this long-standing problem for non-Hermitian matrices with transposition symmetry (complex symmetric and complex self-dual) at arbitrary matrix size. Up to a Vandermonde factor, they are scattering-state wave functions of the Calogero model, a line of particles interacting through an inverse-square potential, with the coupling strength set by the symmetry. In contrast to many previously known joint densities, the densities cannot be written as a gas of eigenvalues with pairwise interactions. We further compute the complex level spacing distributions and two-point spectral correlation functions, which carry power-law tails, absent in a Coulomb gas. Our results shed light on the interplay among random matrices, integrability, and symmetry.

cond-mat.stat-mechCross-listedarXiv:2609.00164•Sep 2, 2026
Random matrix theory describes complex quantum systems statistically, with symmetry as its organizing principle. We uncover an exact duality between the level statistics of Hermitian and non-Hermitian random matrices in the large-NNN (matrix size) limit. It acts class by class: the two replica partition functions, given by fermionic nonlinear σσσ models, are related by analytic continuation. Applied to the three Wigner--Dyson classes, the duality yields the universal bulk eigenvalue pair-correlation functions of non-Hermitian random matrices. This establishes a non-Hermitian counterpart of Dyson's threefold way, organized by transposition symmetry: generic complex, complex symmetric, and complex self-dual matrices. The dissipative spectral form factors of these classes follow in closed form as well. Applied to the seven nonstandard Altland--Zirnbauer classes, the duality yields the exact spectral densities near the origin, the non-Hermitian hard-edge statistics. Most of these statistics were previously known only numerically. Exact diagonalization confirms the analytical predictions, and physical models demonstrate their universality. We expect these results to be the tip of a deeper correspondence between Hermitian and non-Hermitian random matrix theory.
Motivated by the surge of interest in statistics of non-Hermitian random matrices as a framework for description of universal characteristics of dissipative chaotic quantum many-body systems, we address the problem of characterizing the parametric correlations of spectral densities. Considering parameter-dependent ensemble of complex Ginibre matrices we derive an explicit, closed-form expression for the parametric number covariance in the systems of symmetry class A\mathbf{A}A for eigenvalues in a circular domain containing on average a finite number of eigenvalues in the spectral bulk. This behavior is expected to be universal, as further supported by numerical evidence for the real Ginibre ensemble, non-Hermitian Bernoulli Wigner matrices and bi-unitarily invariant ensembles. We also discuss a relation between parametric correlations of spectral densities and the distribution of the so-called eigenvector non-orthogonality factor, which attracted considerable interest in recent years.
The complex spacing ratio is the complex displacement from a reference eigenvalue to its nearest neighbor divided by the corresponding displacement to its next-to-nearest neighbor. Its statistics provide a useful diagnostic of spectral correlations and nonintegrability in open quantum systems. Here, starting from the exact joint eigenvalue probability densities, we derive finite-NNN complex-spacing-ratio distributions for the Gaussian ensembles of non-Hermitian random matrices in classes AI†^†† and AII†^††, realized by complex symmetric and complex self-dual random matrices, respectively. In class AII†^††, we obtain an exact algebraic expression for arbitrary NNN and explicitly evaluate the distributions and representative moments for N=3,4,5,6N=3, 4, 5, 6N=3,4,5,6. In class AI†^††, although the joint density retains a noncompact integral over nonunitary eigenvector degrees of freedom, we analytically derive a normalized one-dimensional integral representation for N=3N=3N=3 and determine the asymptotic behavior, including a logarithmic correction to the cubic level repulsion and a nonanalytic contribution to the angular density. We further confirm these analytical results through direct numerical diagonalization of non-Hermitian random matrices.
Eigenvector overlaps quantify nonorthogonality and govern the response and dynamics of non-Hermitian systems. We extend the universality of non-Hermitian random matrices to the statistics of these overlaps. We obtain analytical expressions for eigenvector overlaps in the spectral bulk and near the origin, covering ten symmetry classes in the limit of large matrix size. Using fermionic replica nonlinear σσσ models, we relate these overlaps to Hermitian level statistics, symmetry class by symmetry class and topological sector by topological sector. Numerical calculations in various physical models support the universality of the normalized overlaps in the regimes studied. Our work establishes a duality between Hermitian level statistics and non-Hermitian eigenvector overlaps.
Non-Hermitian disordered systems have emerged as a central arena in modern physics, with ramifications spanning condensed matter, quantum, statistical, and high energy contexts. The same principles also underlie phenomena beyond physics, such as network science, complex systems, and biophysics, where dissipation, nonreciprocity, and stochasticity are ubiquitous. Here, we review the physics and mathematics of non-Hermitian disordered systems, with particular emphasis on non-Hermitian random matrix theory. We begin by presenting the 38-fold symmetry classification of non-Hermitian systems, contrasting it with the 10-fold way for Hermitian systems. After introducing the classic Ginibre ensembles of non-Hermitian random matrices, we survey various diagnostics for complex-spectral statistics and distinct universality classes realized by symmetry. As a key application to physics, we discuss how non-Hermitian random matrix theory characterizes chaos and integrability in open quantum systems. We then turn to the criticality due to the interplay of disorder and non-Hermiticity, including Anderson transitions in the Hatano-Nelson model and its higher-dimensional extensions. We also discuss the effective field theory description of non-Hermitian disordered systems in terms of nonlinear sigma models.
We show that non-Hermitian Ginibre random matrix behaviors emerge in spatially extended many-body quantum chaotic systems in the space direction, just as Hermitian random matrix behaviors emerge in chaotic systems in the time direction. Starting with translational invariant models, which can be associated with dual transfer matrices with complex-valued spectra, we show that the linear ramp of the spectral form factor necessitates that the dual spectra have nontrivial correlations, which in fact fall under the universality class of the Ginibre ensemble, demonstrated by computing the level spacing distribution and the dissipative spectral form factor. As a result of this connection, the exact spectral form factor for the Ginibre ensemble can be used to universally describe the spectral form factor for translational invariant many-body quantum chaotic systems in the scaling limit where t and L are large, while the ratio between L and L_{Th}, the many-body Thouless length is fixed. With appropriate variations of Ginibre models, we analytically demonstrate that our claim generalizes to models without translational invariance as well. The emergence of the Ginibre ensemble is a genuine consequence of the strongly interacting and spatially extended nature of the quantum chaotic systems we consider, unlike the traditional emergence of Hermitian random matrix ensembles.
Determining exact joint eigenvalue densities is central to random matrix theory. We solve this long-standing problem for non-Hermitian matrices with transposition symmetry (complex symmetric and complex self-dual) at arbitrary matrix size. Up to a Vandermonde factor, they are scattering-state wave functions of the Calogero model, a line of particles interacting through an inverse-square potential, with the coupling strength set by the symmetry. In contrast to many previously known joint densities, the densities cannot be written as a gas of eigenvalues with pairwise interactions. We further compute the complex level spacing distributions and two-point spectral correlation functions, which carry power-law tails, absent in a Coulomb gas. Our results shed light on the interplay among random matrices, integrability, and symmetry.