Level Statistics and Localization for Two Interacting Particles in a Random Potential

Abstract

We consider two particles with a local interaction $U$ in a random potential at a scale $L_1$ (the one particle localization length). A simplified description is provided by a Gaussian matrix ensemble with a preferential basis. We define the symmetry breaking parameter $\mu \propto U^{-2}$ associated to the statistical invariance under change of basis. We show that the Wigner-Dyson rigidity of the energy levels is maintained up to an energy $E_{\mu}$. We find that $E_{\mu} \propto 1/\sqrt{\mu}$ when $\Gamma$ (the inverse lifetime of the states of the preferential basis) is smaller than $\Delta_2$ (the level spacing), and $E_{\mu} \propto 1/\mu $ when $\Gamma > \Delta_2$. This implies that the two-particle localization length $L_2$ first increases as $|U|$ before eventually behaving as $U^2$.