Tunneling as a stochastic process: a path-integral model for microwave experiments.

Delay time results obtained in microwave experiments at frequencies above and below the cutoff frequency of different waveguide sections are interpreted on the basis of wave propagation in the presence of dissipative effects. Kac's original suggestion was the starting point for the formulation of a stochastic model, which has now been substantially improved, also in relation to the transition-elements theory of Feynman-Hibbs. In this way, an approach to the problem is provided, which is completely distinct from the ones formulated elsewhere.

Anomalous delay in wave propagation and tunneling: a transition-elements analysis of the traversal time.

An alternative model for near-field propagation and optical tunneling is proposed following the lines of the path-integral method developed by Feynman, and in particular by using a transition-elements analysis. Such a model was able to account for the frequency dependency of delay-time results of an experiment involving microwave propagation in the near field using two horn antennas [A. Ranfagni et al.

Anomalous pulse delay in microwave propagation: A stochastic process interpretation.

An experiment involving microwave propagation in the near-field region with two horn antennas demonstrated a superluminal behavior which is strongly dependent on the frequency. The models previously proposed are found to be inadequate for interpreting the results. An attempt is made within the framework of a stochastic model, which can be improved by a path-integral analysis.