Time delay for one-dimensional quantum systems with steplike potentials

This paper concerns time-dependent scattering theory and in particular the concept of time delay for a class of one-dimensional anisotropic quantum systems. These systems are described by a Schrodinger Hamiltonian H=-Delta+V with a potential V(x) converging to different limits V-center dot and V-r as x ->-infinity and +infinity, respectively. Due to the anisotropy, they exhibit a two-channel structure. We first establish the existence and properties of the channel wave and scattering operators by using the modern Mourre approach. We then use scattering theory to show the identity of two apparently different representations of time delay. The first one is defined in terms of sojourn times while the second one is given by the Eisenbud-Wigner operator. The identity of these representations is well known for systems where V(x) vanishes as parallel to x parallel to ->infinity (V-center dot=V-r). We show that it remains true in the anisotropic case V-center dot not equal V-r, i.e., we prove the existence of the time-dependent representation of time delay and its equality with the time-independent Eisenbud-Wigner representation. Finally, we use this identity to give a time-dependent interpretation of the Eisenbud-Wigner expression, which is commonly used for time delay in the literature.