Phase transitions in the problem of the decay of a metastable state

Eugene M. Chudnovsky
Phys. Rev. A 46, 8011 – Published 1 December 1992
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Abstract

The decay of a metastable state is studied by means of a functional-integral approach. Depending on the shape of the potential barrier, the crossover from thermal activation to thermally assisted quantum tunneling is either a first- or second-order phase transition on temperature. Below the crossover temperature, first-order transitions between different tunneling regimes are possible. The general features of these transitions, and the possibilities to observe them, are discussed.

  • Received 18 March 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.46.8011

©1992 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Eugene M. Chudnovsky

  • Physics Department, Lehman College, The City University of New York, Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, New York 10468-1589

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Issue

Vol. 46, Iss. 12 — December 1992

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