Resonances in open quantum maps

We review recent studies about the resonance spectrum of quantum scattering systems, in the semiclassical limit and assuming chaotic classical dynamics. Stationary quantum properties are related to fractal structures in the classical phase space. We focus attention on a particular class of problems that are chaotic maps in the torus with holes. Among the topics considered are the fractal Weyl law, the formation of a spectral gap and the morphology of eigenstates. We also discuss the situation when the holes are only partially transparent and the use of random matrices for a statistical description.