On quantum traversability of wormholes

Abstract

This paper explores the possibility of scalar quantum particles traversing generalized Ellis–Bronnikov wormholes, taking into account quantum effects like tunneling. We investigate the generalized Ellis–Bronnikov wormhole metric and discover that when the exponent parameter is [Formula: see text], there is a single barrier-shaped effective potential at the throat of the wormhole for any orbital angular momentum value. Conversely, for [Formula: see text], the potential can be symmetric and double barrier-shaped, depending on the orbital angular momentum value. We only find analytical solutions for the Schrödinger-like equation in the generalized Ellis–Bronnikov spacetime for [Formula: see text], which are expressed using confluent Heun functions. By making certain approximations, we derive the transmission and reflection coefficients for scalar particles to tunnel through the generalized Ellis–Bronnikov wormhole.