Quantum reflection times for attractive potential tails.
When a wave packet with a narrow momentum distribution is quantum reflected in a purely attractive potential proportional to -1/r(alpha), alpha>2, it generally experiences a time gain compared to a free particle reflected at r=0; for alpha=3 and very low energies there are large time delays. In quantum reflection of an atomic beam by a surface, such a time gain (delay) represents an apparent plane of reflection which is shifted in front of (behind) the surface. The quantum reflected wave is always delayed with respect to the classical particle accelerated in the attractive potential.
Friedrich
Harald
H
Physik Department, Technische Universität München, 85747 Garching, Germany.
Jurisch
Alexander
A