Semiclassical Approximation Research Articles

The semiclassical approximation of multiple functional integrals

In this paper, we study the semiclassical approximation of multiple functional integrals. The integrals are defined through the Lagrangian and the action. Of all possible trajectories, the greatest contribution to the integral is given by the classical trajectory x̅cl for which the action S takes an extremal value. The classical trajectory is found as a solution of the multidimensional Euler – Lagrange equation. To calculate the functional integrals, the expansion of the action with respect to the classical trajectory is used, which can be interpreted as an expansion in powers of Planck’s constant. The numerical results for the semiclassical approximation of double functional integrals are given.

Large deviations for trajectory observables of diffusion processes in dimension d > 1 in the double limit of large time and small diffusion coefficient

For diffusion processes in dimension d > 1, the statistics of trajectory observables over the time-window [0,T] can be studied via the Feynman–Kac deformations of the Fokker–Planck generator, which can be interpreted as Euclidean non-Hermitian electromagnetic quantum Hamiltonians. It is interesting to compare the four regimes corresponding to the time T, either finite or large, and to the diffusion coefficient D, either finite or small. (1) For finite T and finite D, one needs to consider the full time-dependent quantum problem that involves the full spectrum of the Hamiltonian. (2) For large time T→+∞ and finite D, one only needs to consider the ground-state properties of the quantum Hamiltonian to obtain the generating function of rescaled cumulants and to construct the corresponding canonical conditioned processes. (3) For finite T and D → 0, one only needs to consider the dominant classical trajectory and its action satisfying the Hamilton–Jacobi equation, as in the semi-classical Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) approximation of quantum mechanics. (4) In the double limit T→+∞ and D → 0, the simplifications in the large deviations in TD of trajectory observables can be analyzed via the two orders of limits, i.e. either from the limit D → 0 of the ground-state properties of the quantum Hamiltonians of (2), or from the limit of long classical trajectories T→+∞ in the semi-classical WKB approximation of (3). This general framework is illustrated in dimension d = 2 with rotational invariance.

Coherent and incoherent pumping of a three-level laser

This article investigates the quantum and semi-classical aspects of a three-level atom-cavity system within the context of cavity quantum electrodynamics. The study examines the behavior of the system through a quantum perspective and a semi-classical approximation. The steady-state master equation is solved in the atom-cavity basis, resulting in a closed set of equations describing the atom’s level occupancies and the cavity’s photon number. The accuracy of the semi-classical approximation is assessed by comparing it with quantum simulations. The research analyzes the system’s behavior near the laser threshold, highlighting the interplay between semi-classical and quantum behaviors. Additionally, the conversion of the three-level atom to a two-level atom is explored under specific conditions, enabling an investigation into the weak driving limit. Quantum simulation results are used to validate the proposed approximations. This work contributes to the understanding of atom-cavity interactions and provides insights into the transition from semi-classical to quantum behavior in such systems.

Lie-Poisson gauge theories and κ-Minkowski electrodynamics

We consider gauge theories on Poisson manifolds emerging as semiclassical approximations of noncommutative spacetime with Lie algebra type noncommutativity. We prove an important identity, which allows to obtain simple and manifestly gauge-covariant expressions for the Euler-Lagrange equations of motion, the Bianchi and the Noether identities. We discuss the non-Lagrangian equations of motion, and apply our findings to the κ-Minkowski case. We construct a family of exact solutions of the deformed Maxwell equations in the vacuum. In the classical limit, these solutions recover plane waves with left-handed and right-handed circular polarization, being classical counterparts of photons. The deformed dispersion relation appears to be nontrivial.

Superfluidity nature of interacting rotating ultracold boson atoms trapped in an optical potential that overlaps with a harmonic potential

This paper explores the superfluidity nature of the rotating ultracold boson atoms trapped in an overlapping optical potential with harmonic potential in three dimensions at finite temperature. The number of vortices, the critical rate of rotation for the formation of vortices, and the superfluid fraction have all been determined. These parameters required to calculate thermal average of the in situ size and the angular momentum expectation values. Calculations of the mentioned parameters are made using the proper semiclassical approximation. For upcoming BEC experiments in these traps, the outcome results provide useful qualitative theoretical insights. Additionally, they give the current experiment by Greiner et al. (2002) a strong theoretical basis.

Semiclassical geometry in double-scaled SYK

We argue that at finite energies, double-scaled SYK has a semiclassical approximation controlled by a coupling λ in which all observables are governed by a non-trivial saddle point. The Liouville description of double-scaled SYK suggests that the correlation functions define a geometry in a two-dimensional bulk, with the 2-point function describing the metric. For small coupling, the fluctuations are highly suppressed, and the bulk describes a rigid (A)dS spacetime. As the coupling increases, the fluctuations become stronger. We study the correction to the curvature of the bulk geometry induced by these fluctuations. We find that as we go deeper into the bulk the curvature increases and that the theory eventually becomes strongly coupled. In general, the curvature is related to energy fluctuations in light operators. We also compute the entanglement entropy of partially entangled thermal states in the semiclassical limit.

A superradiant two-level laser with intrinsic light force generated gain

The implementation of a superradiant laser as an active frequency standard is predicted to provide better short-term stability and robustness to thermal and mechanical fluctuations when compared to standard passive optical clocks. However, despite significant recent progress, the experimental realization of continuous wave superradiant lasing still remains an open challenge as it requires continuous loading, cooling, and pumping of active atoms within an optical resonator. Here we propose a new scenario for creating continuous gain by using optical forces acting on the states of a two-level atom via bichromatic coherent pumping of a cold atomic gas trapped inside a single-mode cavity. Analogous to atomic maser setups, tailored state-dependent forces are used to gather and concentrate excited-state atoms in regions of strong atom-cavity coupling while ground-state atoms are repelled. To facilitate numerical simulations of a sufficiently large atomic ensemble, we rely on a second-order cumulant expansion and describe the atomic motion in a semi-classical point-particle approximation subject to position-dependent light shifts which induce optical gradient forces along the cavity axis. We study minimal conditions on pump laser intensities and detunings required for collective superradiant emission. Balancing Doppler cooling and gain-induced heating we identify a parameter regime of a continuous narrow-band laser operation close to the bare atomic frequency.

A Computational Study of the Electronic Energy and Charge Transfer Rates and Pathways in the Tetraphenyldibenzoperiflanthene/Fullerene Interfacial Dyad.

The electronic transition rates and pathways underlying interfacial charge separation in tetraphenyldibenzoperiflanthene:fullerene (DBP:C70) blends are investigated computationally. The analysis is based on a polarization-consistent framework employing screened range-separated hybrid functional in a polarizable continuum model to parametrize Fermi's golden rule rate theory. The model considers the possible transitions within the 25 lowest excited states of a DBP:C70 dyad that are accessible by photoexcitation. The different identified pathways contributing to charge carrier generation include electron and hole transfer and backtransfer, exciton transfer, and internal relaxation steps. The larger density of states of C70 appears to explain the previously observed larger efficiency for charge separation through hole transfer mechanism. We also analyze the validity of the high-temperature and short-time semiclassical approximations of the FGR theory, where both overestimated and underestimated Marcus theory based constants can be affected.

Black hole complementarity from microstate models: a study of information replication and the encoding in the black hole interior

We study how the black hole complementarity principle can emerge from quantum gravitational dynamics within a local semiclassical approximation. Further developing and then simplifying a microstate model based on the fragmentation instability of a near-extremal black hole, we find that the key to the replication (but not cloning) of infalling information is the decoupling of various degrees of freedom. The infalling matter decouples from the interior retaining a residual time-dependent quantum state in the hair which encodes the initial state of the matter non-isometrically. The non-linear ringdown of the interior after energy absorption and decoupling also encodes the initial state, and transfers the information to Hawking radiation. During the Hawking evaporation process, the fragmented throats decouple from each other and the hair decouples from the throats. We find that the hair mirrors infalling information after the decoupling time which scales with the logarithm of the entropy (at the time of infall) when the average mass per fragmented throat (a proxy for the temperature) is held fixed. The decoding protocol for the mirrored information does not require knowledge of the interior, and only limited information from the Hawking radiation, as can be argued to be necessitated by the complementarity principle. We discuss the scope of the model to illuminate various aspects of information processing in a black hole.

Dominant spacetime in three dimensional de Sitter gravity

In three dimensions, Kerr-de Sitter spacetime as a solution of Einstein gravity with positive cosmological constant has a single cosmological horizon. The flat-space limit (zero cosmological constant limit) of this spacetime is well-defined and yields the flat-space cosmological solution which is a significant spacetime in the context of flat-space holography. In this paper, we calculate the free energy of this spacetime and compare it with the free energy of the three-dimensional de Sitter spacetime. We investigate which one of these two spacetimes will dominate in the semi-classical approximation for estimating the partition function. It is shown that for the same temperature of cosmological horizon of two spacetimes this is the de Sitter spacetime which is always dominant. Hence, contrary to asymptotically flat and asymptotically AdS spacetimes, there is no phase transition in three dimensional de Sitter gravity.

Semiclassical Approximation of the Wigner Function for the Canonical Ensemble

Semiclassical Approximation of the Wigner Function for the Canonical Ensemble

Ionization rate in an elliptically polarized laser field with respect to momentum at the tunneling exit point for noble atoms

In this paper, we present a novel theoretical model analyzing tunneling ionization for noble atoms exposed to an elliptically polarized laser field. Employing a semiclassical ensemble approximation, the model assesses the impact of the dynamic Coulomb field and ionization potential. The integration of the Coulomb field effect notably aligns theoretical predictions with experimental data. The study underscores the pivotal role of ellipticity on the tunneling rate and affirms the model's applicability.

Polyrate 2023: A computer program for the calculation of chemical reaction rates for polyatomics. New version announcement

Polyrate 2023: A computer program for the calculation of chemical reaction rates for polyatomics. New version announcement

Ground state energy of twisted AdS3 × S3 × T4 superstring and the TBA

We use the lightcone AdS3 × S3 × T4 superstring sigma model with fermions and bosons subject to twisted boundary conditions to find the ground state energy in the semi-classical approximation where effective string tension h and the light-cone momentum L are sent to infinity in such a way that J\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\mathcal{J} $$\\end{document} ≡ L/h is kept fixed. We then analyse the ground state energy of the model by means of the mirror TBA equations for the AdS3 × S3 × T4 superstring in the pure RR background. The calculation is performed for small twist μ with L and h fixed, for large L with μ and h fixed, and for small h with μ and L fixed. In these limits the contribution of the gapless worldsheet modes coming from the T4 bosons and fermions can be computed exactly, and is shown to be proportional to hL/(4L2 – 1). Comparison with the semi-classical result shows that the TBA equations involve only one Y0-function for massless excitations but not two as was conjectured before. Some of the results obtained are generalised to the mixed-flux AdS3× S3× T4 superstring.

The condensation of ideal Bose gas in a gravitational field in the framework of Dunkl-statistic

In the framework of the theory of Dunkl-deformed bosons, Bose-Einstein condensation of two and three-dimensional Dunkl-boson gases confined in the one-dimensional gravitational field is investigated. Using the semi-classical approximation method, we calculate the expressions of the Dunkl-critical temperature $T_{c}^{D}$, the ground state population $\frac{N_{0}^{D}}{N}$ and the Dunkl-mean energy and Dunkl-specific heat functions. Further numerical calculation shows that the condensation temperature ratio $\frac{T_{c}^{D}}{T_{c}^{B}}$ increases with the increasing Wigner parameter.

The holar wind

String theory in AdS3 with purely NS-NS fluxes and vanishing RR moduli has a continuum of winding string excitations in radial plane wave states. BTZ black holes can emit such strings, which then flow out toward the AdS3 boundary as a stream of massive quanta, and form a black hole analogue of the solar wind. The winding string sector thus provides a decay channel for the black hole to evaporate without having either to couple the system to an external reservoir or to match the AdS3 throat onto an asymptotically flat region. We compute the emission amplitude of this “holar wind” in the semi-classical approximation, and consider the associated version of the black hole information paradox.

Quantum evolution represented by Brownian motion.

We propose a stochastic Schrödinger equation in which the momentum is coupled to a white Gaussian noise. In the stochastic representation, the kinetic energy representing the self-interaction of momentum is reduced to a linear term of momentum. As such, the quantum evolution operator factorizes into two contributions due to the momentum and the potential, respectively. The exact quantum propagator thereby becomes an expectation of the stochastic one in which the amplitude results from the potential with a fluctuating position: The particle moves with a constant velocity, subjected to a complex Brownian motion. We demonstrate that the stochastic Schrödinger equation can be feasibly used to derive the quantum propagators for the linear potential and the harmonic oscillator system. Novel semiclassical and other approximations may be developed from the new representation of quantum mechanics.

Dissipative phase transition in an open Tavis–Cummings model with a two-photon drive

We investigate the steady-state quantum phases and associated collective phenomena of an open Tavis–Cummings (TC) model driven by a two-photon source. The standard (non-dissipative) TC model describes the quantum phases of an ensemble of N q two-level quantum emitters interacting with a single-mode electromagnetic field. The interplay among coherent driving, dissipation, and dipole interactions of the open TC model results in emergent collective phenomena, leading to a dissipative or non-equilibrium phase transition from the normal to the superradiant phase. We solve the Liouvillian equation analytically using the semi-classical mean-field approximation. We carry out stability analysis of the steady-state phases and determine the phase boundary. The use of Holstein–Primakoff transformation in the thermodynamic limit reduces the system to an effective coupled-oscillator model, the solution of which yields collective modes.

Evaporation and information puzzle for 2D nonsingular asymptotically flat black holes

We investigate the thermodynamics and the classical and semiclassical dynamics of two-dimensional (2D), asymptotically flat, nonsingular dilatonic black holes. They are characterized by a de Sitter core, allowing for the smearing of the classical singularity, and by the presence of two horizons with a related extremal configuration. For concreteness, we focus on a 2D version of the Hayward black hole. We find a second order thermodynamic phase transition, separating large unstable black holes from stable configurations close to extremality. We first describe the black-hole evaporation process using a quasistatic approximation and we show that it ends in the extremal configuration in an infinite amount of time. We go beyond the quasistatic approximation by numerically integrating the field equations for 2D dilaton gravity coupled to N massless scalar fields, describing the radiation. We find that the inclusion of large backreaction effects (N ≫ 1) allows for an end-point extremal configuration after a finite evaporation time. Finally, we evaluate the entanglement entropy (EE) of the radiation in the quasistatic approximation and construct the relative Page curve. We find that the EE initially grows, reaches a maximum and then goes down towards zero, in agreement with previous results in the literature. Despite the breakdown of the semiclassical approximation prevents the description of the evaporation process near extremality, we have a clear indication that the end point of the evaporation is a regular, extremal state with vanishing EE of the radiation. This suggests that the nonunitary evolution, which commonly characterizes the evaporation of singular black holes, could be traced back to the presence of the singularity.

Accurate calculation of tunneling splittings in water clusters using path-integral based methods.

Tunneling splittings observed in molecular rovibrational spectra are significant evidence for tunneling motion of hydrogen nuclei in water clusters. Accurate calculations of the splitting sizes from first principles require a combination of high-quality inter-atomic interactions and rigorous methods to treat the nuclei with quantum mechanics. Many theoretical efforts have been made in recent decades. This Perspective focuses on two path-integral based tunneling splitting methods whose computational cost scales well with the system size, namely, the ring-polymer instanton method and the path-integral molecular dynamics (PIMD) method. From a simple derivation, we show that the former is a semiclassical approximation to the latter, despite that the two methods are derived very differently. Currently, the PIMD method is considered to be an ideal route to rigorously compute the ground-state tunneling splitting, while the instanton method sacrifices some accuracy for a significantly smaller computational cost. An application scenario of such a quantitatively rigorous calculation is to test and calibrate the potential energy surfaces of molecular systems by spectroscopic accuracy. Recent progress in water clusters is reviewed, and the current challenges are discussed.