77 research outputs found
Quantum dynamics of a hydrogen-like atom in a time-dependent box: non-adiabatic regime
We consider a hydrogen atom confined in time-dependent trap created by a
spherical impenetrable box with time-dependent radius. For such model we study
the behavior of atomic electron under the (non-adiabatic) dynamical confinement
caused by the rapidly moving wall of the box. The expectation values of the
total and kinetic energy, average force, pressure and coordinate are analyzed
as a function of time for linearly expanding, contracting and harmonically
breathing boxes. It is shown that linearly extending box leads to de-excitation
of the atom, while the rapidly contracting box causes the creation of very high
pressure on the atom and transition of the atomic electron into the unbound
state. In harmonically breathing box diffusive excitation of atomic electron
may occur in analogy with that for atom in a microwave field
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