Spectra and spectral correlations of microwave graphs with symplectic symmetry

Abstract: Following an idea by Joyner et al. [EPL, 107 (2014) 50004] a microwave graph with antiunitary symmetry T obeying T^2=-1 has been realized. The Kramers doublets expected for such systems have been clearly identified and could be lifted by a perturbation which breaks the antiunitary symmetry. The observed spectral level spacings distribution of the Kramers doublets is in agreement with the predictions from the Gaussian symplectic ensemble (GSE), expected for chaotic systems with such a symmetry. In addition results on the two-point correlation function, the spectral form factor, the number variance and the spectral rigidity are presented, as well as on the transition from GSE to GOE statistics by continuously changing T from T^2=-1 to T^2=1.