Effects of relativity on the time-resolved tunneling of electron wave packets

Authors

P Krekora, Illinois State University
Q Su, Illinois State University
Rainer Grobe, Illinois State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2001

Keywords

DOUBLE BARRIERS, TRAVERSAL TIME, EQUATION, Optics, Physics

Abstract

We solve numerically the time-dependent Dirac equation for a quantum wave packet tunneling through a potential barrier. We analyze the spatial probability distribution of the transmitted wave packet in the context of the possibility of effectively superluminal peak and front velocities of the electron during tunneling. Both the Dirac and Schrodinger theories predict superluminal tunneling speeds. However, in contrast to the Dirac theory the Schrodinger equation allows a possible violation of causality. Based on an analysis of the tunneling process in full temporal and spatial resolution, we introduce an instantaneous tunneling speed that can be computed inside the potential barrier.

Comments

Originally published in Physical Review A by the American Physical Society.

Recommended Citation

Krekora, P; Su, Q; and Grobe, Rainer, "Effects of relativity on the time-resolved tunneling of electron wave packets" (2001). Faculty publications – Physics. 32.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/fpphys/32