Dynamical tunneling in macroscopic systems

TL;DR

This paper studies macroscopic dynamical quantum tunneling in driven systems like Josephson junctions, analyzing conditions for its experimental detection amidst thermal activation effects.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical analysis of MDQT in driven Duffing oscillators and proposes a protocol for experimental observation.

Findings

Calculated tunneling rates under resonant conditions.

Identified parameters where tunneling can be observed.

Compared tunneling with thermal activation effects.

Abstract

We investigate macroscopic dynamical quantum tunneling (MDQT) in the driven Duffing oscillator, charateristic for Josephson junction physics and nanomechanics. Under resonant conditions between stable coexisting states of such systems we calculate the tunneling rate. In macroscopic systems coupled to a heat bath, MDQT can be masked by driving-induced activation. We compare both processes, identify conditions under which tunneling can be detected with present day experimental means and suggest a protocol for its observation.