Delocalization and Heisenberg's uncertainty relation

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In the one-dimensional Anderson model the eigenstates are localized for arbitrarily small amounts of disorder. In contrast, the Harper model with its quasiperiodic potential shows a transition from extended to localized states. The difference between the two models becomes particularly apparent in phase space where Heisenberg's uncertainty relation imposes a finite resolution. Our analysis points to the relevance of the coupling between momentum eigenstates at weak potential strength for the delocalization of a quantum particle.