A multiple scattering theory approach to solving the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation with an asymmetric rectangular potential

TL;DR

This paper presents an exact time-dependent solution for a particle in an asymmetric rectangular potential using multiple scattering theory, offering insights into quantum phenomena like transmission, reflection, and dwell time.

Contribution

It introduces a novel MST-based approach to solve the time-dependent Schrödinger equation for asymmetric potentials, emphasizing a particle perspective and relating to quantum measurement issues.

Findings

Analyzes the contributions of forward and backward wave components.

Visualizes the effects of potential asymmetry on probability density.

Connects the solution to nanostructure kinetic theory and spintronics applications.

Abstract

An exact time-dependent solution for the wave function $\psi(r,t)$ of a particle moving in the presence of an asymmetric rectangular well/barrier potential varying in one dimension is obtained by applying a novel for this problem approach using multiple scattering theory (MST) for the calculation of the space-time propagator. This approach, based on the localized at the potential jumps effective potentials responsible for transmission through and reflection from the considered rectangular potential, enables considering these processes from a particle (rather than a wave) point of view. The solution describes these quantum phenomena as a function of time and is related to the fundamental issues (such as measuring time) of quantum mechanics. It is presented in terms of integrals of elementary functions and is a sum of the forward- and backward-moving components of the wave packet. The relative contribution of these components and their interference as well as of the potential asymmetry to the probability density $|\psi(x,t)|^2$ and particle dwell time is considered and numerically visualized for narrow and broad energy (momentum) distributions of the initial Gaussian wave packet. The obtained solution is also related to the kinetic theory of nanostructures due to the fact that the considered potential can model the spin-dependent potential profile of the magnetic multilayers used in spintronics devices.