Higher-order level spacings in random matrix theory based on Wigner's conjecture

Abstract

The distribution of higher order level spacings, i.e. the distribution of $\{s_{i}^{(n)}=E_{i+n}-E_{i}\}$ with $n\geq 1$ is derived analytically using a Wigner-like surmise for Gaussian ensembles of random matrix as well as Poisson ensemble. It is found $s^{(n)}$ in Gaussian ensembles follows a generalized Wigner-Dyson distribution with rescaled parameter $\alpha=\nu C_{n+1}^2+n-1$, while that in Poisson ensemble follows a generalized semi-Poisson distribution with index $n$. Numerical evidences are provided through simulations of random spin systems as well as non-trivial zeros of Riemann zeta function. The higher order generalizations of gap ratios are also discussed.