Resonance enhanced tunneling in an asymmetric double well potential: The 2B1Σ+ state of HCl

We investigate the exact quantum tunneling dynamics using a density matrix approach in the 2B¹Σ⁺ state of HCl which has recently been calculated to be an asymmetric double well potential. With the exact dynamics and a simple model of the collisional interaction process the transfer rate shows strong resonance enhancement for particular rotational states. The transmission coefficient approach, commonly used in tunneling calculations, shows no such features. This system suggests the possibility of the experimental observation of such rotationally induced tunneling resonances (perhaps in HCl in the gas phase). Although not strongly coupled to the environment itself the large resonance effects, caused by near degeneracies, in this system suggest that in treating systems which are strongly coupled to their environment (such as in the solid state) the exact quantum dynamics should be used rather than the transmission coefficient model.