Published January 23, 1998 | Version v1
Journal article

Unstable decay and state selection

  • 1. James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (United States)
  • 2. Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Manchester, Manchester (United Kingdom)

Description

We consider the problem of state selection for a stochastic system, initially in an unstable stationary state, when multiple metastable states compete for occupation. Using path-integral techniques we derive remarkably simple and accurate formulae for state-selection probabilities. The method is sufficiently general that it is applicable to a wide variety of problems. (author)

Availability note (English)

Available online at the Web site for the Journal of Physics. A, Mathematical and General (ISSN 4361-6447) http://www.iop.org/

Additional details

Identifiers

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Journal of Physics. A, Mathematical and General
Journal Volume
31
Journal Issue
3
Journal Page Range
p. L71-L78
ISSN
0305-4470

INIS

Country of Publication
United Kingdom
Country of Input or Organization
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
INIS RN
32045664
Subject category
S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS;
Descriptors DEI
ENERGY LEVELS; GROUND STATES; METASTABLE STATES; NUCLEAR DECAY; STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
Descriptors DEC
DECAY; ENERGY LEVELS; EXCITED STATES

Optional Information

Notes
Letter-to-the-editor