Quantum Tunneling and Information Entropy in a Double Square Well Potential: Ammonia Molecule

Abstract

Quantum tunneling is the quantum-mechanical effect where a particle tunnels through a classically forbidden region. Double Square Well Potential (DSWP) is a system where this phenomenon is feasible. Numerous phenomena can be illustrated by considering motion in a pair of wells that are separated by a barrier of finite height and width. The energy level splitting, resulting from barrier penetration, is the reason of the so-called inversion spectrum, which is an example of quantum tunneling. Out of several molecules ($NH_3$, $PH_3$, $AsH_3$, $NH_2CN$) where this inversion phenomenon occurs, ammonia molecule $NH_3$ provides a nice physical realization of a vibrational system with a DSWP. The main goal of the present work is to examine the implications of quantum tunneling on information entropy measures (Shannon's and Fisher's) and statistical complexity.