Quantum corrected electron holes

The theory of electron holes is extended into the quantum regime. The Wigner-Poisson system is solved perturbatively based in lowest order on a weak, standing electron hole. Quantum corrections are shown to lower the potential amplitude and to increase the number of deeply trapped electrons. They, hence, tend to bring this extreme non-equilibrium state closer to thermodynamic equilibrium, an effect which can be attributed to the tunneling of particles in this mixed state system. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.