Escape of quantum particles from an open cavity

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the shape of an open wedge cavity influences the quantum escape rates of electrons emitted from a negative ion, revealing oscillatory behavior due to quantum interference effects.

Contribution

It demonstrates that wedge-shaped cavities induce specific oscillations in electron escape rates, with the number of oscillations depending on the wedge's opening angle, providing new insights into quantum interference phenomena.

Findings

Wedge-shaped cavities cause oscillations in escape rates.

Number of oscillations depends on the wedge's opening angle.

Detailed analysis for a {}/5 wedge case.

Abstract

A negative ion irradiated by a laser provides a coherent source of electrons propagating out from the location of the negative ion. We study the total escape rates of the electrons when the negative ion is placed inside an open cavity in the shape of a wedge. We show the wedge induces significant oscillations in the total escape rates because of quantum interference effects. In particular, we show, for a wedge with an opening angle of {\pi}/N, where N is an arbitrary positive integer, there are (2N - 1) induced oscillations in the rates. As a demonstration, the case for a wedge with an opening angle {\pi}/5 is calculated and analyzed in detail.