A probability distribution for quantum tunneling times

TL;DR

This paper introduces a comprehensive probability distribution for quantum tunneling times using the Salecker-Wigner-Peres clock, applicable to scattering and decay scenarios, aiding interpretation of attosecond experiments.

Contribution

It presents a new general expression for tunneling time distribution, applicable to various quantum tunneling processes, including scattering and decay.

Findings

Derived a universal tunneling time distribution formula

Applied the formula to scattering through rectangular barriers

Analyzed tunneling decay in strong field ionization experiments

Abstract

We propose a general expression for the probability distribution of real-valued tunneling times of a localized particle, as measured by the Salecker-Wigner-Peres quantum clock. This general expression is used to obtain the distribution of times for the scattering of a particle through a static rectangular barrier and for the tunneling decay of an initially bound state after the sudden deformation of the potential, the latter case being relevant to understand tunneling times in recent attosecond experiments involving strong field ionization.