Escape of quantum particles from an open cavity

Abstract

A negative ion irradiated by a laser provides a coherent source of electrons propagating out from the location of the negative ion. We study the total escape rates of the electrons when the negative ion is placed inside an open cavity in the shape of a wedge. We show the wedge induces significant oscillations in the total escape rates because of quantum interference effects. In particular, we show, for a wedge with an opening angle of {\pi}/N, where N is an arbitrary positive integer, there are (2N - 1) induced oscillations in the rates. As a demonstration, the case for a wedge with an opening angle {\pi}/5 is calculated and analyzed in detail.