In a previous paper [B. Poirier, J. Chem. Phys. 121, 4501 (2004)] a unique bipolar decomposition Ψ=Ψ1+Ψ2 was presented for stationary bound states Ψ of the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation, such that the components Ψ1 and Ψ2 approach their semiclassical WKB analogs in the large-action limit. The corresponding bipolar quantum trajectories, as defined in the usual Bohmian mechanical formulation, are classical-like and well behaved, even when Ψ has many nodes or is wildly oscillatory. A modification for discontinuous potential stationary scattering states was presented in a second, companion paper [C. Trahan and B. Poirier, J. Chem. Phys.124, 034115 (2006), previous paper], whose generalization for continuous potentials is given here. The result is an exact quantum scattering methodology using classical trajectories. For additional convenience in handling the tunneling case, a constant-velocity-trajectory version is also developed.
In a previous paper [B. Poirier, J. Chem. Phys. 121, 4501 (2004)] a unique bipolar decomposition Ψ=Ψ1+Ψ2 was presented for stationary bound states Ψ of the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation, such that the components Ψ1 and Ψ2 approach their semiclassical WKB analogs in the large-action limit. The corresponding bipolar quantum trajectories, as defined in the usual Bohmian mechanical formulation, are classical-like and well behaved, even when Ψ has many nodes or is wildly oscillatory. A modification for discontinuous potential stationary scattering states was presented in a second, companion paper [C. Trahan and B. Poirier, J. Chem. Phys.124, 034115 (2006), previous paper], whose generalization for continuous potentials is given here. The result is an exact quantum scattering methodology using classical trajectories. For additional convenience in handling the tunneling case, a constant-velocity-trajectory version is also developed.
In a previous paper [B. Poirier, J. Chem. Phys. 121, 4501 (2004)] a unique bipolar decomposition, psi = psi1 + psi2, was presented for stationary bound states Psi of the one-dimensional Schrodinger equation, such that the components psi1 and psi2 approach their semiclassical WKB analogs in the large action limit. Moreover, by applying the Madelung-Bohm ansatz to the components rather than to Psi itself, the resultant bipolar Bohmian mechanical formulation satisfies the correspondence principle. As a result, the bipolar quantum trajectories are classical-like and well behaved, even when psi has many nodes or is wildly oscillatory. In this paper, the previous decomposition scheme is modified in order to achieve the same desirable properties for stationary scattering states. Discontinuous potential systems are considered (hard wall, step potential, and square barrier/well), for which the bipolar quantum potential is found to be zero everywhere, except at the discontinuities. This approach leads to an exact numerical method for computing stationary scattering states of any desired boundary conditions, and reflection and transmission probabilities. The continuous potential case will be considered in a companion paper [C. Trahan and B. Poirier, J. Chem. Phys. 124, 034116 (2006), following paper].
In previous articles (J. Chem. Phys. 2004, 121, 4501; 2006, 124, 034115; 2006, 124, 034116) a bipolar counter-propagating wave decomposition, Psi = Psi+ + Psi-, was presented for stationary states Psi of the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation, such that the components Psi+/- approach their semiclassical WKB analogs in the large action limit. The corresponding bipolar quantum trajectories are classical-like and well-behaved, even when Psi has many nodes or is wildly oscillatory. In this paper, the method is generalized for multisurface scattering applications and applied to several benchmark problems. A natural connection is established between intersurface transitions and (+ <--> -) transitions.
In previous articles [B. Poirier J. Chem. Phys. 121, 4501 (2004); C. Trahan and B. Poirier, ibid. 124, 034115 (2006); 124, 034116 (2006); B. Poirier and G. Parlant, J. Phys. Chem. A 111, 10400 (2007)] a bipolar counterpropagating wave decomposition, psi = psi(+) + psi(-), was presented for stationary states psi of the one-dimensional Schrodinger equation, such that the components psi(+/-) approach their semiclassical Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin analogs in the large action limit. The corresponding bipolar quantum trajectories are classical-like and well behaved, even when psi has many nodes, or is wildly oscillatory. In this paper, the method is generalized for time-dependent wavepacket dynamics applications and applied to several benchmark problems, including multisurface systems with nonadiabatic coupling.
In previous articles [J. Chem. Phys. 121, 4501 (2004); J. Chem. Phys. 124, 034115 (2006); J. Chem. Phys. 124, 034116 (2006); J. Phys. Chem. A 111, 10400 (2007); J. Chem. Phys. 128, 164115 (2008)] an exact quantum, bipolar wave decomposition, psi=psi(+)+psi(-), was presented for one-dimensional stationary state and time-dependent wavepacket dynamics calculations, such that the components psi(+/-) approach their semiclassical WKB analogs in the large action limit. The corresponding bipolar quantum trajectories are classical-like and well behaved, even when psi has many nodes or is wildly oscillatory. In this paper, both the stationary state and wavepacket dynamics theories are generalized for multidimensional systems and applied to several benchmark problems, including collinear H+H(2).
Quantum trajectory methods (QTMs) hold great promise as a potential means of obtaining dynamical insight and computational scaling similar to classical trajectory simulations but in an exact quantum dynamical context. To date, the development of QTMs has been stymied by the "node problem"--highly nonclassical and numerically unstable trajectories that arise when the wavepacket density |psi|2 exhibits substantial interference oscillations. In a recent paper, however [B. Poirier, J. Chem. Phys. 128, 164115 (2008)], a "bipolar decomposition," psi=psi+(+)(psi)psi(-), was introduced for one-dimensional (1D) wavepacket dynamics calculations such that the component densities |psi(+)(-)|2 are slowly varying and otherwise interference-free, even when |psi|2 itself is highly oscillatory. The bipolar approach is thus ideally suited to a QTM implementation, as is demonstrated explicitly in this paper. Two model 1D benchmark systems exhibiting substantial interference are considered--one with more "quantum" system parameters and the other more classical-like. For the latter, more challenging application, synthetic QTM results are obtained and found to be extremely accurate, as compared to a corresponding fixed-grid calculation. Ramifications of the bipolar QTM approach for the classical limit and also for multidimensional applications, are discussed.
The semiclassical method is characterized by finite forces and smooth, well-behaved trajectories, but also by multivalued representational functions that are ill behaved at caustics. In contrast, quantum trajectory methods--based on Bohmian mechanics (quantum hydrodynamics)--are characterized by divergent forces and erratic trajectories near nodes, but also well-behaved, single-valued representational functions. In this paper, we unify these two approaches into a single method that captures the best features of both, and in addition, satisfies the correspondence principle. Stationary eigenstates in one degree of freedom are the primary focus, but more general applications are also anticipated.