Recurrences in Driven Quantum Systems

TL;DR

This paper investigates how a quantum particle in a time-dependent external field exhibits recurrence phenomena, returning to its initial state repeatedly, a behavior not seen in classical physics, due to quantum evolution resembling a free particle.

Contribution

It reveals the quantum recurrence phenomenon in driven systems and explains its origin from quantum evolution resembling a free particle, contrasting classical predictions.

Findings

Quantum recurrences occur regardless of escape conditions.

Recurrences are absent in classical dynamics.

Quantum evolution resembles free particle behavior in external fields.

Abstract

We consider an initially bound quantum particle subject to an external time-dependent field. When the external field is large, the particle shows a tendency to repeatedly return to its initial state, irrespective of whether the frequency of the field is sufficient for escape from the well. These recurrences, which are absent in a classical calculation, arise from the system evolving primarily like a free particle in the external field.