PHY3063

R. D. Field

Barrier Problems Finite Step Potential

Potential Barrier
V(x) KE
Classically Allowed x0 Classically Forbidden

Step Potential
V0 E x
Classically Forbidden Region

V0 E x

x0 = 0

Consider a particle with total energy E entering from the left and encountering the potential V(x). The particles kinetic energy is 2 px 1 2 KE = = mv x = E V ( x ) . 2m 2 At the point where V(x) = E the particle has zero velocity and it turns around and heads back out in the direction it came in. The point x0 is called the classical turning point and the region with V(x) > E is called the classically forbidden region. Time-Independent Schrdinger Equation: Look for solutions of the timedependent Schrdinger equation of the form ( x, t ) = ( x )e iEt / h . Substituting (x,t) into the time dependent equation yields h 2 d 2 ( x ) = ( E V ( x )) ( x ) . 2m dx 2 Step Potential: Consider a potential V(x) such that V(x) = 0 for x < 0 and V(x) = V0 for x 0. Left Region (x < 0): In this region 2mE d 2 L ( x ) = k 2 L ( x ) with k = h2 dx 2 and the most general solution is L ( x ) = AL e + ikx + BL e ikx Right Region (x 0): In this region 2m(V0 E ) V d 2 R ( x ) = k 0 1 = 2 R ( x ) with = 2 2 h E dx and the most general solution is R ( x ) = AR e x + BR e +x . x The second term is unphysical since e and hence BR = 0. x

Department of Physics

Chapter6_32.doc

University of Florida