Relaxation dynamics of multi-level tunneling systems
arXiv:cond-mat/9610179 · doi:10.1063/1.473313
Abstract
A quantum mechanical treatment of an asymmetric double-well potential (DWP) interacting with a heat bath is presented for circumstances where the contribution of higher vibrational levels to the relaxation dynamics cannot be excluded from consideration. The deep quantum limit characterized by a discrete energy spectrum near the barrier top is considered. The investigation is motivated by simulations on a computer glass which show that the considered parameter regime is ``typical'' for DWPs being responsible for the relaxation peak of sound absorption in glasses. Relaxation dynamics resembling the spatial- and energy-diffusion-controlled limit of the classical Kramers' problem, and Arrhenius-like behavior is found under specific conditions.
23 pages, RevTex, 2 figures can be received from the Authors upon request