"Universality" of Gaussian orthogonal ensemble fluctuations: the two-body random ensemble and shell model spectra

Starting from an appropriate decomposition of the level density into an average and fluctuating part, we studied the energy level fluctuations of an ensemble defined by two-body random Hamiltonians. A detailed analysis of several spectrally averaged fluctuation measures shows close agreement with the predictions of the Gaussian orthogonal ensemble (GOE). This confirms earlier indications that, except for noninteracting particles, fluctuation measures are insensitive to the rank of the interaction. Further, analysis of spectra obtained from realistic nuclear interactions agrees well with the GOE indicating that specific properties of the Hamiltonian have little or no influence on fluctuations. These results, therefore, strengthen our belief in the "universality" of GOE fluctuations.