Quantum mechanical versus quasi-classical tunneling times for smooth potential barriers

Abstract

For smooth potential barriers, we compare the quasi-classical tunneling time with an expression that gives a fully quantum mechanical tunneling time. The expression we choose for the quantum mechanical tunneling time is one that has heuristic value. We report results wherein this quantum mechanical tunneling time and the quasi-classical time differ significantly, both quantitatively and qualitatively. To determine the reasons for these differences, we compare the trends in the two times that result from varying the potential. Our findings suggest that, for smooth potential barriers, the quasi-classical tunneling time is unreliable for many cases where it is employed. PACS Nos.: 03.65Xp, 03.65-w