LYAPUNOV EXPONENTS FROM NODE-COUNTING ARGUMENTS

A conjecture connecting Lyapunov exponents of coupled map lattices and the node theorem is presented. It is based on the analogy between the linear stability analysis of extended chaotic states and the Schrodin ger problem for a particle in a disordered potential. As a consequence , we propose an alternative method to compute the Lyapunov spectrum. T he implications on the foundation of the recently proposed ''chronotop ic approach'' are also discussed.