Quantum Mechanics: Luis A. Anchordoqui

Quantum Mechanics
Luis A. Anchordoqui
Department of Physics and Astronomy

Lehman College, City University of New York
Lesson V
March 5, 2019
L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 1 / 35

Table of Contents
1 Scattering in one dimension

Step potential
Potential barrier and tunneling
The ins and outs of tunneling

Scattering in one dimension
LAST CLASS
Schrodinger: WEforSAW
A Wave Equation Electrons
∂ ∂
Eψ = !ωψ = −j! ψ px ψ = !kψ = j! ψ
∂t ∂x
E=
p2
(free-particle)
Notation ) i = j
2m
Schrodinger Equation and∂ Energy Conservation

!2 ∂ 2 ψ
−j! ψ = − (free-particle)
inger Equation and Energy Conservation
The Schrodinger Wave Equation ∂t 2m ∂x2
inger Wave Equation
!2 ∂ 2 ψ(x)
Eψ(x) = − + V (x)ψ(x)
!2 ∂ 2 ψ(x)
..The Free-Particle
2m ∂x2 Schrodinger Wave Equation !
Eψ(x) = − + V (x)ψ(x)
2m2 ∂x2
The quantity | | dx is interpreted as the probability that the particle can be
found at a particular point x (within interval dx) Erwin Schrödinger (1887–1961)
2 dx is interpreted as the probability that the particle can be Schrodinger Equation
Imageand
in the Energy Conservation
Public Domain
ticular point x (within interval dx)
2
|ψ|
P (x) = |ψ|2 dx The Schrodinger Wave Equation
2 |ψ|2
P (x) = |ψ| dx n=3 !2 ∂ 2 ψ(x)
0 L x Eψ(x) =− + V (x)ψ(x)
n=3 2m ∂x2
0 L x
The quantity | |2 dx is interpreted as the probability that the particle can be
found at a particular point x (within interval dx)
L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY)© Dr. Akira Tonomura, Hitachi, Ltd., Japan.
Quantum Mechanics
All rights reserved. This content is 3-5-2019 3 / 35
Scattering in one dimension Step potential
Quantum Intuition

0 for x < 0
V (x) = (1)
254 Chapter 6
V 0 for
The Schrödinger Equation
x≥0
ger Equation
(a )
Figure 6-24 (a) A potential
Energy
(a ) Energy
step. Particles are incident
E
on the step from the left V (x ) = V 0
moving toward the right,
V (x ) = V 0
each with total energy E
V (x ) = 0
V (x ) = 0 E ! V0 . (b) The wave
0 x
transmitted into region II is
0 x
I a decreasing exponential.
II
However, the value of R in
this case is 1 and no net ψ(x )
(b ) ψ(
energy
x) is transmitted. (b )
0 x
0 x
I II
e 6-22 (a) A potential step. Particles are incident on the step from the left toward the
each with total energy E ! V0 . (b) The wavelength of the incident wave (Region I) is
r than that of the transmitted wave (Region II). Since k2 " k1 , ƒ C ƒ 2 ! ƒ A ƒ 2; however,
Now let us consider the case shown in Figure 6-24a, where E ! V0 . Clas
nsmission coefficient T " 1. we expect all particles to be reflected at x " 0; however, we note that k in E
L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 4 /235
ψA = Ae−jk1 x ψC = Ce−jk1 x
A Simple
Potential Step ψB = Be−jk1 x
E = Eo
V
CASE I : Eo > V
E=0
Region 1 Region 2
x
x=0
!2 ∂ 2 ψ 2mEo
In Region 1: Eo ψ = − k12 =
2m ∂x2 !2
!2 ∂ 2 ψ 2m (Eo − V )
In Region 2: (Eo − V ) ψ = − k22 =
2m ∂x2 !2
10

A Simple
E = Eo
V
CASE I : Eo > V
E=0
Region 1 Region 2
x
x=0
ψ1 = Ae−jk1 x + Bejk1 x ψ2 = Ce−jk2 x
ψ is continuous: ψ1 (0) = ψ2 (0) A+B =C
∂ψ is continuous: ∂ ∂ k2
ψ(0) = ψ2 (0) A−B = C
∂x ∂x ∂x k1
11

A Simple
E = Eo
V
CASE I : Eo > V
E=0
Region 1 Region 2
x
x=0
A+B =C
B 1 − k2 /k1 C 2
= =
A 1 + k2 /k1 A 1 + k2 /k1
k2
k1 − k 2 2k1 A−B = C
= = k1
k1 + k2 k1 + k2
12

Quantum Electron Currents
Given an electron of mass m

2
that is located in space with charge density ρ = q |ψ(x)|
and moving with momentum < p > corresponding to < v > = !k/m
… then the current density for a single electron is given by
2
J = ρv = q |ψ| (!k/m)

A Simple
E = Eo
V
CASE I : Eo > V
E=0
Region 1 Region 2
x
x=0
! !2
Jref lected JB |ψB |2 (!k1 /m) !! B !!
Reflection = R = = = =
Jincident JA |ψA |2 (!k1 /m) ! A !
! !2
Jtransmitted JC |ψC |2 (!k2 /m) !! C !! k2
Transmission = T = = = =
Jincident JA |ψA |2 (!k1 /m) ! A ! k1
B 1 − k2 /k1 C 2
= =
A 1 + k2 /k1 A 1 + k2 /k1
15

A Simple
E = Eo
V
CASE I : Eo > V
E=0
Region 1 Region 2
x
x=0
! !2 ! !
!B ! ! k 1 − k 2 !2
1 Reflection = R = !! !! = !! !
A k1 + k2 !
T
Transmission = T = 1 − R
T +R=1
4k1 k2
= 2
R |k1 + k2 |
1 "
k2 V
= 1−
Eo = V Eo = ∞ k1 Eo
16

ψA = Ae−jk1 x ψC = Ce−κx
A Simple
V
CASE II : Eo < V E = Eo
E=0
Region 1 Region 2
x
x=0
!2 ∂ 2 ψ 2mEo
In Region 1: Eo ψ = − k12 =
2m ∂x2 !2
!2 ∂ 2 ψ 2m (Eo − V )
In Region 2: (Eo − V ) ψ = − κ2 =
2m ∂x2 !2
20

A Simple
V
E=0
Region 1 Region 2
x
x=0
ψ1 = Ae−jk1 x + Bejk1 x ψ2 = Ce−κx
ψ is continuous: ψ1 (0) = ψ2 (0) A+B =C
∂ψ is continuous: ∂ ∂ κ
ψ(0) = ψ2 (0) A − B = −j C
∂x ∂x ∂x k1
21

A Simple
V
E=0
Region 1 Region 2
x
x=0
A+B =C
B 1 + jκ/k1 C 2
= =
A 1 − jκ/k1 A 1 − jκ/k1
κ
A − B = −j C
! !2 k1
!B !
R = !! !! = 1 T =0
A
Total reflection Transmission must be zero
22

KEY TAKEAWAYS CASE I : Eo > V
A Simple Potential Step
! !2 ! !
!B ! ! k 1 − k 2 !2
Ref lection = R = !! !! = !! !
A k1 + k2 !
Region 1 Region 2
4 k1 k2
T ransmission = T = 1 − R = 2
|k1 + k2 |
PARTIAL REFLECTION
CASE II : Eo < V
Region 1 Region 2
TOTAL REFLECTION
24

Scattering in one dimension Potential barrier and tunneling
Quantum Tunneling Through a Thin Potential Barrier
Total Reflection at Boundary
R=1 T =0
Frustrated Total Reflection (Tunneling)
T ̸
=0
23

ψA = Ae−jk1 x ψC = Ce−κx ψF = F e−jk1 x

A Rectangular
Potential Step ψB = Bejk1 x ψD = Deκx
V
E=0
−a 0 a
Region 1 Region 2 Region 3
!2 ∂ 2 ψ 2mEo
In Regions 1 and 3: Eo ψ = − k12 =
2m ∂x2 !2
!2 ∂ 2 ψ 2m(V − Eo )
In Region 2: (Eo − V )ψ = − κ2 =
2m ∂x2 !2
! !2
!F ! 1
for Eo < V : T = !! !! =
A 1+ 1 V2
4 Eo (V −Eo ) sinh2 (2κa)
25

A Rectangular
Potential Step
E U
for Eo < V :
! !2
!F ! 1
T = !! !! =
A 1+ 1 V2
4 Eo (V −Eo ) sinh2 (2κa)
" #2
sinh2 (2κa) = e2κa − e−2κa ≈ e−4κa
! !2
!F ! 1
T = !! !! ≈ 2 e−4κa
A 1 + 14 Eo (VV −Eo )
26

Example: Barrier Tunneling

•  Let s consider a tunneling problem:
An electron with a total energy of Eo= 6 eV L = 2a

V0
approaches a potential barrier with a height of Eo
V0 = 12 eV. If the width of the barrier is metal
metal
L = 0.18 nm, what is the probability that the
0 L air x
electron will tunnel through the barrier?
! !2 gap
!F ! 16Eo (V − Eo ) −2κL
T = !! !! ≈ e
A V2
" " "
2me 2me 6eV
κ= (V − Eo ) = 2π (V − Eo ) = 2π ≈ 12.6 nm−1
!2 h2 1.505eV-nm2
−1
T = 4e−2(12.6 nm )(0.18 nm)
= 4(0.011) = 4.4%
Question: What will T be if we double the width of the gap?
30

Multiple Choice Questions

Consider a particle tunneling through a barrier:
1. Which of the following will increase the V
likelihood of tunneling? Eo
a. decrease the height of the barrier 0 L x

b. decrease the width of the barrier
c. decrease the mass of the particle
2. What is the energy of the particles that have successfully escaped ?

a. < initial energy
b. = initial energy
c. > initial energy
Although the amplitude of the wave is smaller after the barrier, no
energy is lost in the tunneling process
31

encountering the barrier. Scattering in one dimension The ins and outs of tunneling
Schrodinger Equations
Key to solving for the wave function of a particle hitting a potential barrier is finding the Schrodinger equations which
describe the system. First, define the energy potential, V (x) , of the system as this:
⎧0 , x<0
V (x) = ⎨ V0 ,
⎩ 0 <x<a (1)
0, x>a
Writing the wave function of the particle as ψ1 (x) for x < 0 , ψ2 (x) for 0 < x < a , and ψ3 (x) for x > a , the
Schrodinger equations for x < 0 , 0 < x < a , and x > a are respectively:
ℏ2 d2 (2)
Eψ1 (x) = − ψ1 (x)
2m dx2
ℏ2 d2 (3)
Eψ2 (x) = − ψ2 (x) + V0 ψ2 (x)
2m dx2
ℏ2 d2 (4)
Eψ3 (x) = − ψ3 (x)
2m dx2
This can be simplified, considering the wavenumbers, k1 and k2 , of the wave function for inside and outside the barrier
respectively. Since k1 2 = 2mE/ ℏ 2 and k2 2 = 2m(E − V0 )/ ℏ 2 , this can be said of the wave function of a particle
with L. V .
≥Anchordoqui
E A. (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 20 / 35
ℏ d (3)
Eψ2 (x)
Scattering in = −dimensionψ2 (x)
one The+ins ψ2 (x)
V0 and outs of tunneling
2m dx2
ℏ2 d2 (4)
Eψ3 (x) = − ψ3 (x)
2m dx2
This can be simplified, considering the wavenumbers, k1 and k2 , of the wave function for inside and outside the barrier
respectively. Since k1 2 = 2mE/ ℏ 2 and k2 2 = 2m(E − V0 )/ ℏ 2 , this can be said of the wave function of a particle
with E ≥ V0 .
d2 (5)
0 = ψ1 (x) + k1 2 ψ1 (x)
dx2
d2 (6)
0 = ψ2 (x) + k2 2 ψ2 (x)
dx2
d2 (7)
0 = ψ3 (x) + k1 2 ψ3 (x)
dx2
Notice, however that if E < V0 , k2 is imaginary and thus no longer an observable. By convention therefore, κ, defined
by κ2 = 2m(V0 − E)/ ℏ 2 , is used instead for E < V0 . The di!erential equations defining the wave function of a
particle with insu!icient energy are thus:
http://tediousderivations.blogspot.com/2013/08/rectangular-potential-barrier.html

Rectangular Potential Barrier - Tedious Derivations
Scattering in one dimension The ins and outs of tunneling
d2 (8)
0= ψ1 (x) + k1 2 ψ1 (x)
dx2
d2 (9)
0= ψ2 (x) − κ2 ψ2 (x)
dx2
d2 (10)
0= ψ3 (x) + k1 2 ψ3 (x)
dx2
If There Is Su!icient Energy
For E ≥ V0 , to find the wave function of the particle, equations (5) , (6) , and (7) must be solved. These are
homogeneous second-order linear di!erential equations and have the following general solutions:
ψ1 (x) = Aer Ax + Ber Bx (11)

ψ2 (x) = C er Cx + Der Dx (12)
ψ3 (x) = F er F x + Ger G x (13)
where A , B , C , D , F , and G are constants and rA = rF and rB = rG are the two solutions to the equation
r2 + k1 2 = 0 while rC and rD are the two solutions to the equation r2 + k2 2 = 0 .
L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY)
(x) = Quantum
A ik1 x +Mechanics
B −ik1 x 3-5-2019 (14)
22 / 35
ψ1 (x) = Aeik1 x + Be−ik1 x (14)

ψ2 (x) = C eik2 x + De−ik2 x (15)
ψ3 (x) = F eik1 x + Ge−ik1 x (16)
Notice, considering Euler's formula, that Aeik1 x , C eik2 x , and F eik1 x represent waves travelling in the positive
direction while Be−ik1 x , De−ik2 x , and Ge−ik1 x represent waves travelling in the negative direction. Since reflection by
the barrier is conceivable, it is possible to have wave components travelling in the negative direction for x < a , but
there is no reason to have waves doing so for x > a . Thus, G = 0 .
ψ1 (x) = Aeik1 x + Be−ik1 x (17)

ψ2 (x) = C eik2 x + De−ik2 x (18)
ψ3 (x) = F eik1 x (19)
To solve for B and F in relation to A , impose these four boundary conditions to ensure that the wave function is a
smooth curve as x → 0 and as x → a :
lim ψ1 (x) = lim+ ψ2 (x)

x→0− x→0
d d
lim ψ1 (x) = lim+ ψ2 (x)
x→0− dx x→0 dx
lim ψ2 (x) = lim ψ3 (x)
x→a− x→a+
d d
x→a− dx x→a+ dx
x→a x→a
d d
x→a− dx x→a+ dx
A+B = C +D (20)
ik1 A − ik1 B = ik2 C − ik2 D (21)
C eik2 a + De−ik2 a = F eik1 a (22)
ik2 C eik2 a − ik2 De−ik2 a = ik1 F eik1 a (23)
k1 A + k1 B = k1 C + k1 D (24)
k1 A − k1 B = k2 C − k2 D (25)
k2 C e i k2 a + k2 De−ik2 a = k2 F eik1 a (26)
k2 C e k2 − k2 De−ik2 a = k1 F eik1 a
i a (27)
ns.blogspot.com/2013/08/rectangular-potential-barrier.html

2k1 A = (k1 + k2 )C + (k1 − k2 )D (28)

2k1 B = (k1 − k2 )C + (k1 + k2 )D (29)
2k2 C eik2 a = (k1 + k2 )F eik1 a (30)
2k2 De−ik2 a = (k2 − k1 )F eik1 a (31)
To solve for F in relation to A , consider equations (28) , (30) , and (31) .
(k1 + k2 )2 i(k −k )a (k − k2 )2 i(k +k )a

2k 1 A = Fe 1 2 − 1 Fe 1 2 (32)
2k 2 2k 2
4k1 k2 e−ik1 a A = (k1 + k2 )2 F e−ik2 a − (k1 − k2 )2 F eik2 a (33)
Using Euler's formula to expand e−ik2 a and eik2 a , the following can be derived:
4k1 k2 e−ik1 a A = (−2ik1 2 sin k2 a + 4k1 k2 cos k2 a − 2ik2 2 sin k2 a) F (34)
2k1 k2 e−ik1 a A
F = (35)
2k1 k2 cos k2 a − i (k1 2 + k2 2 ) sin k2 a

2k1 k2 e−ik1 a A
F = (35)
To solve for B in relation to A , consider equations (29) , (30) , and (31) .
2 −
2k 1 B = k 1 k2 2 F i(k1 −k2 )a − k1 2 − k2 2 F i(k1 +k2 )a (36)
e e
2k 2 2k 2
4k1 k2 e−ik1 a B
= (e−ik2 a − eik2 a ) F (37)
k1 2 − k2 2
Using Euler's formula to expand e−ik2 a and eik2 a , the following can be derived:
2k1 k2 e−ik1 a B
=F (38)
−i (k1 2 − k2 2 ) sin k2 a
Comparing equations (35) and (38) , B is solved for in relation to A .
−i (k1 2 − k2 2 ) sin(k2 a)A

B= (39)
2 +
L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) 2k k cos kQuantum k 2 ) sin k a
a − i (kMechanics 3-5-2019 26 / 35
2k 1 k 2 e
−ik a 1 B
=F (38)
−i (k1 2 − k2 2 ) sin k2 a
−i (k1 2 − k2 2 ) sin(k2 a)A

B= (39)
Considering equations (30) and (31) alongside equation (35) , C and D can also be solved for in relation to A , but
since only A , B , and F are needed to calculate the reflection and transmission coe!icients, the derivations of C and
D are omitted here. In order to find the reflection and transmission coe!icients, the wave function must be first written
in terms of its incident, reflected, and transmitted components, ψi (x) , ψr (x) , and ψt (x) respectively.
ψi (x) = Aeik1 x (40)

ψr (x) = Be−ik1 x (41)
ψt (x) = F eik1 x (42)
The reflection and transmission coe!icients, R and T respectively, are defined as follows:

jr (43)
R=−
ji
jt (44)
T =
ji
where ji , jr , and jt are the incident, reflected, and transmitted probability currents respectively.
ψr (x) dx
d
ψr ∗(x) − ψr ∗(x) dx
d
ψr (x)
R=− (45)
ψi (x) dx
d
ψi ∗(x) − ψi ∗(x) dx
d
ψi (x)
ψt (x) dx
d
ψt ∗(x) − ψt ∗(x) dx
d
ψt (x)
T = (46)
ψi (x) dx
d
ψi ∗(x) − ψi ∗(x) dx
d
ψi (x)
|B|2
R= (47)
|A|2
|F |2
T = (48)
|A|2
Applying the solutions for B and F found in equations (39) and (35) respectively gives:

Scattering in one dimension
|A|2 The ins and outs of tunneling
|F |2
T = (48)
|A|2
Applying the solutions for B and F found in equations (39) and (35) respectively gives:
2
(k1 2 − k2 2 ) sin2 k2 a
R= (49)
2
4k1 2 k2 2 cos2 k2 a + (k1 2 + k2 2 ) sin2 k2 a
4k 1 2 k 2 2
T = (50)
2
4k1 2 k2 2 cos2 k2 a + (k1 2 + k2 2 ) sin2 k2 a
2
(k1 2 − k2 2 ) sin2 k2 a
R= (51)
2
4k1 2 k2 2 + (k1 2 − k2 2 ) sin2 k2 a
4k 1 2 k 2 2
T = (52)
2
4k1 2 k2 2 + (k1 2 − k2 2 ) sin2 k2 a
⎡ ⎤
−1
4k 1 2 k 2 2 (53)
R= +1
⎣( 2− 2 )2 sin2 k a ⎦
k1 k2 2
⎡ (k 1 2 − ⎤
2 −1
2 2
L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) k2 ) sin
Quantum k2 a
Mechanics 3-5-2019 29 / 35
1 2
⎡ ⎤
−1
4k 1 2 k 2 2 (53)
R= +1
⎣( 2− 2 )2 sin2 k a ⎦
k1 k2 2
⎡ (k1 2 − k2 2 ) sin2 k2 a ⎤
2 −1
T = +1 (54)
⎣ 2
4k 1 k 2 2 ⎦
Interestingly contrary to classical mechanics, quantum mechanics suggests that the particle may actually be reflected
by the potential barrier, despite having a total energy of equal or greater value than V0 .
If There Is Insu!icient Energy
For E < V0 , equations (8) , (9) , and (10) must be solved to find ψ1 (x) , ψ2 (x) , and ψ3 (x) . To do this, follow the
methodology employed in the previous section, "If There Is Su!icient Energy". The solutions of equations (8) , (9) ,
and (10) are identical to those of (5) , (6) , and (7) respectively save for the use of iκ in the place of k2 .
ψ1 (x) = Aeik1 x + Be−ik1 x (55)

ψ2 (x) = C e−κx + Deκx (56)
ψ3 (x) = F eik1 x (57)

Applying the same boundary conditions as in the previous section and manipulating algebra in the same manner, it can
also be found that:
2ik1 A = (ik1 − κ)C + (ik1 + κ)D (58)

2ik1 B = (ik1 + κ)C + (ik1 − κ)D (59)
2κCe−κa = (κ − ik1 )F eik1 a (60)
2κDeκa = (ik1 + κ)F eik1 a (61)
To solve for F in relation to A , consider equations (58) , (60) , and (61) .
(ik1 − κ)2 (ik +κ)a (ik1 + κ)2 (ik −κ)a

2ik1 A = − Fe 1 + Fe 1 (62)
2κ 2κ
4ik1 κe−ik1 a A = −(ik1 − κ)2 F eκa + (ik1 + κ)2 F e−κa (63)
4ik1 κe−ik1 a A = [(k1 2 − κ2 ) (eκa − e−κa ) + 2ik1 κ (eκa + e−κa )] F (64)
2ik1 κe−ik1 a A
F = (65)
2
(k1 − κ2 ) sinh κa+ 2ik1 κ cosh κa
(InL.case you are unfamiliar

A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) with hyperbolic functions,
Quantum u = (eu − e−u )/2 is the hyperbolic sine3-5-2019
sinhMechanics function and31 / 35
2ik1 κe−ik1 a A
F = (65)
(k1 2 − κ2 ) sinh κa + 2ik1 κ cosh κa
(In case you are unfamiliar with hyperbolic functions, sinh u = (eu − e−u )/2 is the hyperbolic sine function and
cosh u = (eu + e−u )/2 is the hyperbolic cosine function.) To solve for B in relation to A , consider equations (59) ,
(60) , and (61) .
2 + 2 2 + 2
κ κ
2ik1 B = k1 F e(ik1 +κ)a − k1 F e(ik1 −κ)a (66)
2κ 2κ
4ik1 κe−ik1 a B
= F eκa − F e−κa (67)
k1 2 + κ2
2ik1 κe−ik1 a B
=F (68)
(k1 2 + κ2 ) sinh κa
(k1 2 + κ2 ) sinh(κa)A
B= (69)
L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) (k 2 − κQuantum
2 ) sinh κa + 2ik1 κ cosh κa
Mechanics 3-5-2019 32 / 35
2ik1 κe−ik1 a B
=F (68)
(k1 2 + κ2 ) sinh κa
(k1 2 + κ2 ) sinh(κa)A
B= (69)
2
(k1 − κ2 ) sinh κa + 2ik1 κ cosh κa
As in the previous section, the wave function written in terms of its incident, reflected, and transmitted components is:
ψi (x) = Aeik1 x (70)

ψr (x) = Be−ik1 x (71)
ψt (x) = F eik1 x (72)
Furthermore, the reflection and transmission coe!icients, derivable using the same method as in the previous section,
are again given by:
|B|2
R= (73)
|A|2
|F |2
T = (74)
|A|2
2
(k12 + κ2) sinh2κa
R= (75)
2
(k12 − κ2) sinh2κa + 4k12κ2 cosh2κa
4k12κ2
T = (76)
2
(k12 − κ2) sinh2κa + 4k12κ2 cosh2κa
2
(k12 + κ2) sinh2κa
R= (77)
2
(k12 + κ2) sinh2κa + 4k12κ2
4k12κ2
T = (78)
2
(k12 + κ2) sinh2κa + 4k12κ2
⎡ 4k1 κ Mechanics ⎤
−1
2 2
L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) R= Quantum 3-5-2019 (79)
34 / 35
(k1 + κ ) sinh
R = in one dimension
Scattering The ins and outs of tunneling (77)
2
(k12 + κ2) sinh2κa + 4k12κ2
4k12κ2
T = (78)
2
(k12 + κ2) sinh2κa + 4k12κ2
⎡ ⎤
−1
4k12κ2 (79)
R= +1
⎣ ( 2 + κ2) sinh κa
2 2 ⎦
k1
⎡ (k12 + κ2) sinh2κa ⎤
2 −1
T = +1 (80)
⎣ 4k12κ2 ⎦
Contrary to classical expectations which would suggest that the particle has zero probability of travelling beyond
x = 0 , quantum mechanics asserts that the particle has a non-zero probability of tunneling through the rectangular
potential barrier, despite having a total energy less than V0 . This phenomenon marks a major di!erence between
quantum and classical mechanics.
Labels: energy potentials, Euler's formula, hyperbolic functions, probability current, quantum mechanics, rectangular
potential barrier, reflection and transmission coe!icients, Schrodinger equation, tunneling
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1. L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 35 / 35

Quantum Mechanics: Luis A. Anchordoqui

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Quantum Mechanics

Department of Physics and Astronomy

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 1 / 35

1 Scattering in one dimension

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 2 / 35

Schrodinger Equation and∂ Energy Conservation

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 5 / 35

ψ1 = Ae−jk1 x + Bejk1 x ψ2 = Ce−jk2 x

ψ is continuous: ψ1 (0) = ψ2 (0) A+B =C

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 6 / 35

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 7 / 35

Quantum Electron Currents

Given an electron of mass m

… then the current density for a single electron is given by

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 8 / 35

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 9 / 35

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 10 / 35

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 11 / 35

ψ1 = Ae−jk1 x + Bejk1 x ψ2 = Ce−κx

ψ is continuous: ψ1 (0) = ψ2 (0) A+B =C

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 12 / 35

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 13 / 35

KEY TAKEAWAYS CASE I : Eo > V

A Simple Potential Step

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 14 / 35

Quantum Tunneling Through a Thin Potential Barrier

Total Reflection at Boundary

Frustrated Total Reflection (Tunneling)

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 15 / 35

ψA = Ae−jk1 x ψC = Ce−κx ψF = F e−jk1 x

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 16 / 35

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 17 / 35

Example: Barrier Tunneling

An electron with a total energy of Eo= 6 eV L = 2a

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 18 / 35

Multiple Choice Questions

a. decrease the height of the barrier 0 L x

2. What is the energy of the particles that have successfully escaped ?

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 19 / 35

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 21 / 35

If There Is Su!icient Energy

ψ1 (x) = Aer Ax + Ber Bx (11)

ψ1 (x) = Aeik1 x + Be−ik1 x (14)

ψ1 (x) = Aeik1 x + Be−ik1 x (17)

lim ψ1 (x) = lim+ ψ2 (x)

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 24 / 35

2k1 A = (k1 + k2 )C + (k1 − k2 )D (28)

To solve for F in relation to A , consider equations (28) , (30) , and (31) .

(k1 + k2 )2 i(k −k )a (k − k2 )2 i(k +k )a

4k1 k2 e−ik1 a A = (k1 + k2 )2 F e−ik2 a − (k1 − k2 )2 F eik2 a (33)

4k1 k2 e−ik1 a A = (−2ik1 2 sin k2 a + 4k1 k2 cos k2 a − 2ik2 2 sin k2 a) F (34)

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 25 / 35

To solve for B in relation to A , consider equations (29) , (30) , and (31) .

Comparing equations (35) and (38) , B is solved for in relation to A .

−i (k1 2 − k2 2 ) sin(k2 a)A

Comparing equations (35) and (38) , B is solved for in relation to A .

−i (k1 2 − k2 2 ) sin(k2 a)A

ψi (x) = Aeik1 x (40)

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 27 / 35

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 28 / 35

If There Is Insu!icient Energy

ψ1 (x) = Aeik1 x + Be−ik1 x (55)

L. A. Anchordoqui (CUNY) Quantum Mechanics 3-5-2019 30 / 35