dorsal/arxiv
View SchemaQuantum tunneling dynamics using hydrodynamic trajectories
| Authors | Eric R. Bittner |
|---|---|
| Categories | |
| ArXiv ID | quant-ph/0001119 |
| URL | https://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0001119 |
| DOI | 10.1063/1.481607 |
Abstract
In this paper we compute quantum trajectories arising from Bohm's causal description of quantum mechanics. Our computational methodology is based upon a finite-element moving least-squares method (MWLS) presented recently by Wyatt and co-workers (Lopreore and Wyatt, Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 82}, 5190 (1999)). This method treats the "particles" in the quantum Hamilton-Jacobi equation as Lagrangian fluid elements which carry the phase, $S$, and density, $\rho$, required to reconstruct the quantum wavefunctions. Here, we compare results obtained via the MWLS procedure to exact results obtained either analytically or by numerical solution of the time dependent Schr\"odinger equation. Two systems are considered: firstly, dynamics in a harmonic well and secondly tunneling dynamics in a double well potential. In the case of tunneling in the double well potential, the quantum potential acts to lower the barrier separating the right and left hand sides of the well permitting trajectories to pass from one side to another. However, as probability density passes from one side to the other, the effective barrier begins to rise and eventually will segregate trajectories in one side from the other. We note that the MWLS trajectories exhibited long time stability in the purely harmonic cases. However, this stability was not evident in the barrier crossing dynamics. Comparisons to exact trajectories obtained via wave packet calculations indicate that the MWLS trajectories tend to underestimate the effects of constructive and destructive interference effects.
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"abstract": "In this paper we compute quantum trajectories arising from Bohm\u0027s causal\ndescription of quantum mechanics. Our computational methodology is based upon a\nfinite-element moving least-squares method (MWLS) presented recently by Wyatt\nand co-workers (Lopreore and Wyatt, Phys. Rev. Lett. {\\bf 82}, 5190 (1999)).\nThis method treats the \"particles\" in the quantum Hamilton-Jacobi equation as\nLagrangian fluid elements which carry the phase, $S$, and density,\n $\\rho$, required to reconstruct the quantum wavefunctions. Here, we compare\nresults obtained via the MWLS procedure to exact results obtained either\nanalytically or by numerical solution of the time dependent Schr\\\"odinger\nequation. Two systems are considered: firstly, dynamics in a harmonic well and\nsecondly tunneling dynamics in a double well potential. In the case of\ntunneling in the double well potential, the quantum potential acts to lower the\nbarrier separating the right and left hand sides of the well permitting\ntrajectories to pass from one side to another.\n However, as probability density passes from one side to the other, the\neffective barrier begins to rise and eventually will segregate trajectories in\none side from the other. We note that the MWLS trajectories exhibited long time\nstability in the purely harmonic cases. However, this stability was not evident\nin the barrier crossing dynamics. Comparisons to exact trajectories obtained\nvia wave packet calculations indicate that the MWLS trajectories tend to\nunderestimate the effects of constructive and destructive interference effects.",
"arxiv_id": "quant-ph/0001119",
"authors": [
"Eric R. Bittner"
],
"categories": [
"quant-ph"
],
"doi": "10.1063/1.481607",
"title": "Quantum tunneling dynamics using hydrodynamic trajectories",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0001119"
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