Quantum revival patterns from classical phase-space trajectories

TL;DR

This paper introduces a semiclassical phase-space method that efficiently reproduces complex quantum revival patterns, surpassing traditional approaches by avoiding caustics and trajectory root-searching.

Contribution

It presents a novel phase-space technique based on the final value representation of the Wigner function, enabling accurate semiclassical simulations of quantum revivals.

Findings

Successfully reproduces quantum revival patterns semiclassically

Demonstrates method's effectiveness on Kerr Hamiltonian

Reveals interference origins of revival structures

Abstract

A general semiclassical method in phase space based on the final value representation of the Wigner function is considered that bypasses caustics and the need to root-search for classical trajectories. We demonstrate its potential by applying the method to the Kerr Hamiltonian, for which the exact quantum evolution is punctuated by a sequence of intricate revival patterns. The structure of such revival patterns, lying far beyond the Ehrenfest time, is semiclassically reproduced and revealed as a consequence of constructive and destructive interferences of classical trajectories.