Quantum-to-classical crossover of quasi-bound states in open quantum systems

In the semiclassical limit of open ballistic quantum systems, we demonstrate the emergence of instantaneous decay modes guided by classical escape faster than the Ehrenfest time. The decay time of the associated quasi-bound states is smaller than the classical time of flight. The remaining long-lived quasi-bound states obey random-matrix statistics, renormalized in compliance with the recently proposed fractal Weyl law for open systems [W. T. Lu, S. Sridhar, and M. Zworski, Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 154101 (2003)]. We validate our theory numerically for a model system, the open kicked rotator.