Transition time estimation for $\delta$-function coupling in two state problem: An analytically solvable model

Abstract

We propose a simple method to calculate transition time in a two-state scattering problem, where two constant potentials are coupled by a delta function potential $V_{12}=V_{21}=k_0 \delta(x)$. The exact analytical expression for the time of transition $\tau$ is derived. We notice $\tau$ explicitly depends on the second state's potential energy along with the incident energy and coupling strength. We also observe from the derived expression of $\tau$ that depending on the initial energy, the coupling potential could behave like a transparent or opaque medium to the incident wave in a single state equivalent description.