Tunneling time in attosecond experiments and time-energy uncertainty relation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a theoretical model estimating tunneling time in attosecond experiments using the time-energy uncertainty relation, providing insights into quantum time measurement and its implications for strong field physics.

Contribution

The work presents a novel estimation method for tunneling time based on the time-energy uncertainty principle, advancing the understanding of quantum tunneling in strong field regimes.

Findings

Accurately estimates tunneling time in attosecond experiments

Links tunneling time to the quantum clock concept

Supports the search for a quantum time operator

Abstract

In this work we present a theoretical model supported with a physical reasoning leading to a relation which performs an excellent estimation for the tunneling time in attosecond and strong field experiments, where we address the important case of the He-atom \cite{Eckle:2008s,Eckle:2008}. Our tunneling time estimation is found by utilizing the time-energy uncertainty relation and represents a quantum clock. The tunneling time is also featured as the time of passage (at the exit of the tunnel) similarly to the Einstein's {\it photon box Gedanken experiment}. Our work tackles an important study case for the theory of time in quantum mechanics and is very promising for the search for a (general) time operator in quantum mechanics. The work can be seen as a new fundamental step in dealing with the tunneling time in strong field and ultra-fast science, and is appealing for more elaborate treatments using quantum wave packet dynamics and especially for complex atoms and molecules.