Fractals and Scars on a Compact Octagon

Abstract

A finite universe naturally supports chaotic classical motion. An ordered fractal emerges from the chaotic dynamics which we characterize in full for a compact 2-dimensional octagon. In the classical to quantum transition, the underlying fractal can persist in the form of scars, ridges of enhanced amplitude in the semiclassical wave function. Although the scarring is weak on the octagon, we suggest possible subtle implications of fractals and scars in a finite universe.