A coherent semiclassical transport model for pure-state quantum scattering

We present a time-dependent semiclassical transport model for coherent pure-state scattering with quantum barriers. The model is based on a complex-valued Liouville equation, with interface conditions at quantum barriers computed from the steady-state Schrödinger equation. By retaining the phase information at the barrier, this coherent model adequately describes quantum scattering and interference at quantum barriers, with a computational cost comparable to that of classical mechanics. We construct both Eulerian and Lagrangian numerical methods for this model, and validate it using several numerical examples, including multiple quantum barriers.

Keywords

Multiscale method, semiclassical limit, Liouville, coherent, quantum barrier

2010 Mathematics Subject Classification

65M06, 65Z05, 81Q20, 81S30, 81T80

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Published 1 January 2010