Flux-flux correlation function under Feynman's path integral

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the fully quantum mechanical rate ($\kappa$) in the golden-rule approximation for two linear potential energy surfaces using the flux-flux correlation function ($C_{ff}(t)$). The integral proposed by Miller (1983) is utilized, incorporating the Boltzmann operator and quantum mechanical propagator. The challenge lies in the convergence of the integral for $C_{ff}(t)$, particularly with imaginary arguments for time variables. The flux operator $\hat{F}$ is defined for both non-adiabatic and adiabatic cases, emphasizing the differences in potential energy surfaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals, particularly path integral formalism
  • Understanding of the golden-rule approximation in quantum transitions
  • Familiarity with linear potential energy surfaces (PES) and their mathematical representation
  • Knowledge of flux operators in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Feynman's path integral formalism in detail
  • Explore the derivation and applications of the golden-rule approximation in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate convergence issues in integrals involving imaginary arguments in quantum calculations
  • Learn about the differences between adiabatic and non-adiabatic transitions in quantum systems
USEFUL FOR

Researchers and students in quantum mechanics, particularly those focusing on chemical dynamics, quantum transitions, and path integral methods. This discussion is beneficial for anyone working on non-adiabatic processes and flux correlation functions.

junt
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This is a chemically inspired problem, but the path is fully quantum mechanics and a bunch of integrals.

How does one calculate fully quantum mechanical rate ($\kappa$) in the golden-rule approximation for two linear potential energy surfaces?

Attempt:

Miller (83) proposes $$\kappa=\int{Tr[\exp{(-\beta\hat{H})}\hat{F}\exp{(-i\hat{H}t/\hbar)}\hat{F}\exp{(i\hat{H}t/\hbar)}]}dt$$

Where integrand is simply the flux-flux correlation function: $C_{ff}(t)$. Which can be calculated under Feynman's path integral formalism. My attempt (which is in vain) at calculating $C_{ff}(t)$ is as follows:

$$C_{ff}(t)=Tr[\exp{(-\beta\hat{H})}\hat{F}\exp{(-i\hat{H}t/\hbar)}\hat{F}\exp{(i\hat{H}t/\hbar)}]$$

$$Tr[\exp{(-\beta\frac{\hat{H}}{2})}\hat{F}\exp{(-\beta\frac{\hat{H}}{2})}\exp{(-i\hat{H}t/\hbar)}\hat{F}\exp{(i\hat{H}t/\hbar)}]$$

By cyclicly permuting the operators we reach at:

$$Tr[\exp{(i\hat{H}t/\hbar)}\exp{(-\beta\frac{\hat{H}}{2})}\hat{F}\exp{(-\beta\frac{\hat{H}}{2})}\exp{(-i\hat{H}t/\hbar)}\hat{F}]$$

The Boltzmann operator and quantum mechanical propagator can be combined as follows:

$$Tr[\exp{\hat{H}(\frac{it}{\hbar}-\frac{\beta}{2})}\hat{F}\exp{\hat{H}(\frac{-it}{\hbar}-\frac{\beta}{2})}\hat{F}]$$

In the golden-rule (non-adiabatic) case, we have two electronic states 0 and 1. So F is simply a projection operator. Hence one can obtain:

$$Tr[\exp{\hat{H_0}(\frac{it}{\hbar}-\frac{\beta}{2})}\exp{\hat{H_1}(\frac{-it}{\hbar}-\frac{\beta}{2})}]$$

This basically is kernel corresponding to two potential energy surfaces $V_0$ and $V_1$. For trajectory starting at $x_a$ and ending at $x_b$, we have

$$C_{ff}(t)=\int{\int{K_0(x_a,x_b,\frac{it}{\hbar}-\frac{\beta}{2})K_1(x_b,x_a,\frac{-it}{\hbar}-\frac{\beta}{2})}}dx_adx_b$$

For a linear potential energy surfaces (PES), where my PES looks as follows:

$$V_0=k_0 x$$

$$V_1=k_1 x$$

My kernels are:

$$K_0=\sqrt{\frac{m}{2\pi t_0}}\exp{(-S_0)}$$

$$K_1=\sqrt{\frac{m}{2\pi t_1}}\exp{(-S_1)}$$

$S's$ correspond to action which is:

$$S_n(x_a,x_b,t_n)=\frac{m(x_a-x_b)^2}{2 t_n}-\frac{(x_a+x_b)k_nt_n}{2}-\frac{k_n^2t_n^3}{24m}$$

The problem is the integral for flux flux correlation function doesn't seem to be converging with the imaginary argument for $t$'s. I am trying to integrate w.r.t $x_a$, $x_b$ and $t$ from -Inf to +Inf. My final answer for rate should look something like this:

$$\exp{\frac{k_0^2k_1^2\hbar^2\beta^3}{24m(k_0-k_1)^2}}$$

Is it a gaussian integral with respect to $x_a$ and $x_b$? One has to be careful because there is also an imaginary parts in the exponent. How does one reach the final answer for rate with those integrals? Really confused! Any help is appreciated.
 
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So ##\hat{F}=\frac{1}{2} \{p,\delta(x)\}##?
 
DrDu said:
So ##\hat{F}=\frac{1}{2} \{p,\delta(x)\}##?

Nope! F is just flux operator from reactant to product ##(|0><1|-|1><0|)##. This is for my case (or non-adiabatic case). However, in adiabatic case it is ##(p \delta(x-s)+\delta(x-s) p)##. But I am mainly interested in non-adiabatic case, where there are two electronic states. Basically, in adiabatic case, there is one potential energy surface, and for non-adiabatic case there are two potential energy surfaces.
 

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