Time-dependent potential barriers and superarrivals

TL;DR

This paper investigates the phenomenon of superarrivals in quantum transmission probabilities when Gaussian wavepackets scatter off time-dependent potential barriers, providing a trajectory-based explanation using Bohmian mechanics.

Contribution

It introduces a trajectory-based explanation for superarrivals in transmission probability due to time-dependent barriers, including linear and nonlinear perturbations.

Findings

Superarrivals occur during specific time intervals in transmission probability.

Quantum potential energy and Bohmian trajectories explain superarrivals.

Parameters influencing superarrivals are identified for linear barrier growth.

Abstract

Scattering of a Gaussian wavepacket from rectangular potential barriers with increasing widths or heights is studied numerically. It is seen that during a certain time interval the time-evolving transmission probability increases compared to the corresponding unperturbed cases. In the literature this effect is known as superarrival in transmission probability. We present a trajectory-based explanation for this effect by using the concept of quantum potential energy and computing a selection of Bohmian trajectories. Relevant parameters in superarrivals are determined for the case that the barrier width increases linearly during the dispersion of the wavepacket. Nonlinear in time perturbation is also considered.