Diffraction in time: Fraunhofer and Fresnel dispersion by a slit

Abstract

Moshinsky's work on diffraction in time is recognized as a particular case of monoenergetic, quantum dispersion process. Diffraction in time is extended to include new initial conditions, which under free evolution exhibit temporal quantum interference patterns in close analogy to spatial diffraction patterns found in optics. We show that free propagation of states, which initially are stationary states of infinite potential wells, diffract in time similarly as a plane wave by a double slit. We introduce the concepts of mass transport by transient Fraunhofer and Fresnel dispersion currents.