S2021

Hand out: 27.4.2021 Due date: 04.05.2021

Prof. Dr. M. Ziese

Exercises Experimental Physics 4

3. Schrödinger equation, harmonic oscillator

1. *Digital Exercise*
Tunneling through a rectangular potential wall
In the lecture tunneling through a rectangular potential wall was discussed for energies
2 2
E = h̄2mk
of the incoming particle smaller than the potential barrier V0 . In this task, you’re
supposed to discuss the case, where E > V0 .
First, make a suitable ansatz for the wave equation in the different regions. Use κ ( input
2 2
as “kappa”, defined by κ2 = 2m h̄2
(E − V0 ) ≥ 0 ), k defined by E = h̄2mk
, as well as the
amplitudes R with x ∈ (−∞, 0), T with x ∈ (a, ∞), A and B with x ∈ [0, a]:
I) x < 0
II) 0 ≤ x ≤ a
III) a < x
Using the continuity conditions at x = 0 and x = a, calculate R and T .
Finally, you should obtain expressions for the reflectivity |R2 | and the transmittivity |T 2 |.
For these formulas, please resubstitute all terms with κ2 and k 2 , but leave κ and k unsub-
stituted.
(40 P)
2. Particle in a 3D infinite tube
Consider a particle with mass m in an infinite rectangular tube 0 ≤ y ≤ a, 0 ≤ z ≤ b and
−∞ < x < ∞ with infinitely high walls, i.e. V (~r) = 0 inside the tube and V → ∞ outside
the tube.
Solve the Schrödinger equation and determine wave functions, quantum numbers and energy.
Calculate the current density ~j. When can this tube be considered one-dimensional? Make
a sketch of the dispersion relation for the lowest lying states.
(40 P)
3. *Digital Exercise*
Harmonic Oscillator

(a) Consider a classical mechanical oscillator consisting of a massless spring with spring
constant D = 3 N/m attached to a bob with mass m = 45 g. Initially, the spring is
extended by 0.15 cm. Neglect friction. In a semiclassical approach, in which quantum
level would this mechanical oscillator be?
(b) CO2 is a linear molecule with four vibrational modes, see the following sketch of the
modes.

These vibrational modes absorb infrared radiation, see the following IR spectrum.
 Calculate the energy spacing between adjacent energy levels for the four vibration
modes (wave number of the symmetric stretch is 1340 cm−1 ). If a molecule stores a
vibrational energy of 0.5 eV in the bending modes, in which quantum level are these
oscillators?

(20 P)