Quantum dots as a probe of fundamental physics: Deviation from exponential decay law

TL;DR

This paper investigates the potential of using quantum dots to detect deviations from the exponential decay law in quantum systems, focusing on late-time power law behavior and experimental feasibility.

Contribution

It proposes quantum dots as a promising platform for observing decay law deviations and analyzes how initial state preparation affects detection.

Findings

Electron tunneling in quantum dots can reveal decay law deviations.

Preparation of initial states influences the onset of power law decay.

Comparison with nuclear decay explains challenges in detecting deviations.

Abstract

We explore a possibility of measuring deviation from the exponential decay law in pure quantum systems. The power law behavior at late times of decay time profile is predicted in quantum mechanics, and has been experimentally attempted to detect, but with failures except a claim in an open system. It is found that electron tunneling from resonance state confined in man-made atoms, quantum dots, has a good chance of detecting the deviation and testing theoretical predictions. How initial unstable state is prepared influences greatly the time profile of decay law, and this can be used to set the onset time of the power law at earlier times. Comparison with similar process of nuclear alpha decay to discover the deviation is discussed, to explain why there exists a difficulty in this case.