Quantum response of finite Fermi systems and the relation of the Lyapunov exponent to transport coefficients

Within the frame of kinetic theory a response function is derived for finite Fermi systems that includes dissipation in relaxation time approximation and a contribution from additional chaotic processes characterized by the largest Lyapunov exponent. A generalized local density approximation is presented including the effect of many particle relaxation and the additional chaotic scattering. For small Lyapunov exponents relative to the product of wave vector and Fermi velocity, the largest Lyapunov exponent modifies the response in the same way as the relaxation time. Therefore the transport coefficients can be connected with the largest positive Lyapunov exponent in the same way as known from the transport theory in relaxation time approximation. © 2000 The American Physical Society.