Random matrix theory signatures in free field theory

Abstract

We show that, within a finite window of parameter space, random matrix theory (RMT) statistics emerge in observables of a finite-volume massive free scalar field theory after a local operator quench. The spacing-ratio distribution of two-point-function extremum locations is close to the Gaussian orthogonal ensemble statistics. An extrema-based form factor exhibits a dip--ramp--plateau structure characteristic of RMT. By contrast, the standard spectral form factor shows no ramp, consistent with the underlying free spectrum, while a global quench yields qualitatively different statistics.