QUANTUM CHAOS AND MANY-ELECTRON ATOMS

The problem of 'quantum chaos' in many-electron atoms is described. Ar guments are presented concerning its occurrence in helium. They sugges t that very-high-resolution experiments near the double-ionization thr eshold are required. The situation is contrasted with the one in heavi er atoms, where three conditions are given which would be favourable t o the emergence of 'quantum chaos'. On the basis of these three condit ions, suitable spectra are suggested, and a promising example in the a lkaline-earths is given.