Space-time resolved quantum field approach to Klein tunneling dynamics across a finite barrier

Abstract

We investigate Klein tunneling through finite potential barriers with space-time resolved solutions to relativistic quantum field equations. We find that no particle actually tunnels through a finite supercritical barrier, even in the case of resonant tunneling. The transmission is instead mediated by modulations in pair production rates, at each edge of the barrier, caused by the incoming electron. We further examine the effect of the barrier's width on the numbers of produced pairs in the fermionic case (characterized by saturation) and in the bosonic case (characterized by exponential superradiance). This work paves the way to precise studies of the radiating dynamics of supercritical barriers, and could be applied to certain analogs of Klein tunneling observed in systems modeled by relativistic wave equations.

Slightly extended, one figure added

References in corpus (8)

• Chiral tunneling and the Klein paradox in graphene
• Quantum interference and Klein tunneling in graphene heterojunctions
• Quantum simulation of the Klein paradox with trapped ions
• Pair production in laser fields oscillating in space and time
• Consistency restrictions on maximal electric field strength in QFT
• Relativistic time-dependent quantum dynamics across supercritical barriers for Klein-Gordon and Dirac particles
• Time- and space-resolved selective multi-pair creation
• Relativistic spin-0 particle in a box: bound states, wavepackets, and the disappearance of the Klein paradox

Cited by in corpus (5)

• Evolution of strictly localized states in non-interacting quantum field theories with background fields
• Effects of superradiance on relativistic Foldy-Wouthuysen densities
• Perfect transmission of a Dirac particle in one-dimension double square barrier
• Computational quantum field theory for fermion pair creation in 2-dimensional curved spacetimes
• Microcausality and Tunneling Times in Relativistic Quantum Field Theory