Abstract
The quantum analog of Kramers's classical theory of the rate of activated events is presented. By means of a path-integral approach, the correlation function expression for the rate of barrier crossing by a quantum mechanical particle coupled to a heat bath is evaluated for finite temperatures. Tunneling effects are dramatically diminished by the frictional influence of the heat bath.
- Received 2 March 1981
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.47.968
©1981 American Physical Society
