Localization from sigma-model geodesics

We use a novel method based on the semi-classical analysis of sigma-models to describe the phenomenon of strong localization in quasi one-dimensional conductors, obtaining the full distribution of transmission eigenvalues. For several symmetry classes, describing random superconducting and chiral Hamiltonians, the target space of the appropriate sigma-model is a (super)group manifold. In these cases our approach turns out to be exact. The results offer a novel perspective on localization.