WKB Propagation of Gaussian Wavepackets
arXiv:0707.2423 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.184102
Abstract
We analyze the semiclassical evolution of Gaussian wavepackets in chaotic systems. We prove that after some short time a Gaussian wavepacket becomes a primitive WKB state. From then on, the state can be propagated using the standard TDWKB scheme. Complex trajectories are not necessary to account for the long-time propagation. The Wigner function of the evolving state develops the structure of a classical filament plus quantum oscillations, with phase and amplitude being determined by geometric properties of a classical manifold.
4 pages, 4 figures; significant improvements