Schrödinger's Equation as a Model Approach to Short Time-Scale Quantum Kinetics in a Semiconductor

We present a new approach to quantum kinetics based on a Schrödinger's equation formalism. As an example we apply this method to a coupled electron-LO phonon system in a semiconductor. We demonstrate that it is possible to compute the full many-body wave function of the electron-phonon system for short times. The time-dependent electron probability distribution, extracted from the many-body wave function, illustrates the non-Markovian nature of the early time kinetics. The retarded onset of dissipation and kinetic energy overshoots are explained through virtual, nonresonant transitions.