A generalized reflection time which follows directly from the Schr\"odinger equation without approximation is obtained. By the Winger-Eisenbud approach, this reflection time is conceptually well defined and can be applied to arbitrary continuous potentials including both quantum tunneling and quantum reflection issue. A simple explanation for the quantum reflection phenomenon is proposed and the explicit expression of the difference between the quantum reflection time and the classical reflection time is also derived.A generalized reflection time which follows directly from the Schr\"odinger equation without approximation is obtained. By the Winger-Eisenbud approach, this reflection time is conceptually well defined and can be applied to arbitrary continuous potentials including both quantum tunneling and quantum reflection issue. A simple explanation for the quantum reflection phenomenon is proposed and the explicit expression of the difference between the quantum reflection time and the classical reflection time is also derived.

Physical Review ADec 9, 20097 citations

Quantum reflection as the reflection of subwaves

Yuan Wen, Yin Cheng, Xianping Wang +1 more

This paper studies quantum reflection with recent research on reflection coefficient. Based on the analytical transfer matrix method, a novel explanation for this phenomenon is proposed that quantum reflection is the reflection of subwaves, which originate inherently from the inhomogeneity of the fields and is always neglected in the semiclassical regime. Comparison with exact formula and the numerical calculations for different potentials has confirmed the reliability and the validity of the proposed theory.This paper studies quantum reflection with recent research on reflection coefficient. Based on the analytical transfer matrix method, a novel explanation for this phenomenon is proposed that quantum reflection is the reflection of subwaves, which originate inherently from the inhomogeneity of the fields and is always neglected in the semiclassical regime. Comparison with exact formula and the numerical calculations for different potentials has confirmed the reliability and the validity of the proposed theory.

Chinese Physics BSep 1, 20106 citations

A quantum revolution

Rudolf Grimm

NatureJun 1, 200517 citations

Quantum reflection by coupled-channel potentials

Carlo G. Meister, Harald Friedrich

We study quantum reflection in a system of two attractive step potentials with a steplike coupling term. The amplitude ${R}_{11}$ for elastic reflection generally has the near-threshold behavior $|{R}_{11}|\stackrel{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{k}0}{\ensuremath{\sim}}1\ensuremath{-}2bk$ familiar from the single-channel case. Reflectivity in the elastic channel is quenched in the presence of a second adiabatic channel open for transmission, while it is enhanced when the second transmission channel is closed; there is a pronounced minimum in the reflectivity when the potential in the upper adiabatic channel is zero or close to zero. When the upper adiabatic channel is repulsive, the elastic reflectivity can have an exact zero, at which quantum reflection leads to complete transfer into the excited state. Any degree of entanglement of translational and internal motion can be achieved at an appropriate energy between the threshold for inelastic reflection and this zero of the elastic reflectivity. For degenerate reflection channels, the unusual case of incomplete reflection at threshold occurs when the potential in the upper adiabatic channel vanishes.We study quantum reflection in a system of two attractive step potentials with a steplike coupling term. The amplitude ${R}_{11}$ for elastic reflection generally has the near-threshold behavior $|{R}_{11}|\stackrel{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{k}0}{\ensuremath{\sim}}1\ensuremath{-}2bk$ familiar from the single-channel case. Reflectivity in the elastic channel is quenched in the presence of a second adiabatic channel open for transmission, while it is enhanced when the second transmission channel is closed; there is a pronounced minimum in the reflectivity when the potential in the upper adiabatic channel is zero or close to zero. When the upper adiabatic channel is repulsive, the elastic reflectivity can have an exact zero, at which quantum reflection leads to complete transfer into the excited state. Any degree of entanglement of translational and internal motion can be achieved at an appropriate energy between the threshold for inelastic reflection and this zero of the elastic reflectivity. For degenerate reflection channels, the unusual case of incomplete reflection at threshold occurs when the potential in the upper adiabatic channel vanishes.

Physical Review AOct 25, 20024 citations

Quantum frontiers

Physics WorldMar 1, 20132 citations

We study quantum reflection in a system of two attractive step potentials with a steplike coupling term. The amplitude

{R}_{11}

for elastic reflection generally has the near-threshold behavior $|{R}_{11}|\stackrel{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{k}0}{\ensuremath{\sim}}1\ensuremath{-}2bk$ familiar from the single-channel case. Reflectivity in the elastic channel is quenched in the presence of a second adiabatic channel open for transmission, while it is enhanced when the second transmission channel is closed; there is a pronounced minimum in the reflectivity when the potential in the upper adiabatic channel is zero or close to zero. When the upper adiabatic channel is repulsive, the elastic reflectivity can have an exact zero, at which quantum reflection leads to complete transfer into the excited state. Any degree of entanglement of translational and internal motion can be achieved at an appropriate energy between the threshold for inelastic reflection and this zero of the elastic reflectivity. For degenerate reflection channels, the unusual case of incomplete reflection at threshold occurs when the potential in the upper adiabatic channel vanishes.