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Quantum metastability in a class of moving potentials

Quantum Physics 2009-11-10 v1

Abstract

In this paper we consider quantum metastability in a class of moving potentials introduced by Berry and Klein. Potential in this class has its height and width scaled in a specific way so that it can be transformed into a stationary one. In deriving the non-decay probability of the system, we argue that the appropriate technique to use is the less known method of scattering states. This method is illustrated through two examples, namely, a moving delta-potential and a moving barrier potential. For expanding potentials, one finds that a small but finite non-decay probability persists at large times. Generalization to scaling potentials of arbitrary shape is briefly indicated.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.quant-ph/0404149,
  title  = {Quantum metastability in a class of moving potentials},
  author = {Chung-Chieh Lee and Choon-Lin Ho},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/0404149},
  year   = {2009}
}

Comments

10 pages, 1 figures