Quantum decay rates for driven barrier potentials in the strong friction limit.
Quantum decay rates for barrier potentials driven by external stochastic and periodic forces in the strong damping regime are studied. Based on the quantum Smoluchowski equation derived recently by Ankerhold, Pechukas, and Grabert [Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 086802 (2001)] explicit analytical and numerical results are presented for the case of the resonant activation phenomenon in a bistable potential and the escape from a metastable well with oscillating barrier, respectively. The significant impact of quantum fluctuations is revealed.
Ankerhold
J
J
Fakultät für Physik, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 3, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.