Decay properties of unstable Tonks-Girardeau gases from a split trap

Abstract

We study the decay properties of Tonks-Girardeau gases escaping from a double-well potential. Initially, the gases are constrained between two infinite $\delta$ barriers with an on-center $\delta$-split potential. The strength of one of the obstacles is suddenly reduced, and the particles start to tunnel to the open space. Using the resonance expansion method, we derive the single-term approximate expression for the $N$-particle survival probability and demonstrate its effectiveness in both the exponential and nonexponential regimes. We also predict a parity effect and provide physical insights into its nature at different stages of the time evolution. We conclude that only the initial phase of the decay of the many-particle state may comply with an exponential law. The decay properties are dramatically affected by the presence of the split barrier. Our results reveal the overall decay mechanism of unstable Tonks-Girardeau gases from single and double quantum wells.