The Role of Time-Dependent Phase Space Structures in Reaction Dynamics and the No-Recrossing Property of Dividing Surfaces
We analyze benchmark models for reaction dynamics associated with a time-dependent saddle point. Our model allows us to incorporate time dependence of a general form, subject to an exponential growth restriction. Under these conditions, we analytically compute the time-dependent normally hyperbolic invariant manifold; its time-dependent stable and unstable manifolds; and a time-dependent dividing surface that has the no-recrossing property. Consideration of the time dependence of these phase space structures is necessary in order to precisely capture reacting and nonreacting trajectories. Moreover, we show that a time-dependent dividing surface is necessary in order to eliminate recrossing in the time-dependent setting. In other words, if the dividing surface is not time-dependent, recrossing may occur.