Abstract
A simple model of a quantum clock is applied to the old and controversial problem of how long a particle takes to tunnel through a quantum barrier. The model has the advantage of yielding sensible results for energy eigenstates and does not require the use of time-dependent wave packets. Although the treatment does not forbid superluminal tunneling velocities, there is no implication of faster-than-light signaling because only the transit duration is measurable, not the absolute time of transit. A comparison is given with the weak-measurement post-selection calculations of Steinberg.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 23-27 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | American Journal of Physics |
Volume | 73 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy(all)