On the numerical evaluation of real-time path integrals: Double exponential integration and the Maslov correction

Abstract: Ooura's double exponential integration formula for Fourier transforms is applied to the oscillatory integrals occuring in the path-integral description of real-time Quantum Mechanics. Due to an inherent, implicit regularization multi-dimensional Gauss-Fresnel integrals are obtained numerically with high precision but modest number of function calls. In addition, the Maslov correction for the harmonic oscillator is evaluated numerically with an increasing number of time slices in the path integral thereby clearly demonstrating that the real-time propagator acquires an additional phase $ - \pi/2 $ each time the particle passes through a focal point. However, in the vicinity of these singularities an overall small damping factor is required. Prospects of evaluating scattering amplitudes of finite-range potentials by direct numerical evaluation of a real-time path integral are discussed.