Delta-potential scattering problem

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The discussion revolves around a one-dimensional quantum mechanics problem involving a delta-potential barrier located at the center of the system, with an infinitely high wall on one side and an open boundary on the other. The potential is defined using the Dirac delta function, and the Schrödinger equation is being analyzed in two distinct regions of the system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formulation of the Schrödinger equation in both regions and the implications of boundary conditions. There is an exploration of how to determine the constants A, B, C, and D, as well as considerations regarding wave propagation and reflection due to the wall.

Discussion Status

Some participants are sharing their previous experiences with similar problems and questioning the assumptions made regarding wave behavior in the semi-open case. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of the infinite wall on wave functions and the necessity of considering reflected waves.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of boundary conditions and wave behavior in a system with mixed boundary types, which may influence their approaches to finding solutions. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the treatment of wave amplitudes and the impact of the infinite wall on the overall problem setup.

fast_eddie
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I am looking at a 1-d quantum system with a delta-potential barrier in the centre (at x = 0) and an infinitely high wall on one side of this barrier (at x = -a), while the system is open on the other side.

So the potential V is equal to:
V = κ\delta(x) at x = 0, κ being some constant and δ being the Dirac delta-function
V = ∞ at x = -a, this is where the wall is
and V = 0 everywhere else

Splitting the system into region 1 (the bounded part to the left of the delta-barrier, -a < x < 0) and region 2 (the open part to the right of the delta-barrier, x>0), we get V=0 in both regions and the Schrödinger equation will be of the same form:
-\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{d^2\psi}{dx^2} = E\psi

or
\frac{d^2\psi}{dx^2} = -k^2\psi
where k = \frac{\sqrt{2mE}}{\hbar}

And so the wavefunction in both regions has form:
\psi_1 = Ae^{ikx} + Be^{-ikx}
\psi_2 = Ce^{ikx} + De^{-ikx}

The boundary condition at -a gives:
Ae^{-ika} + Be^{ika} = 0
Or equivalently:
Acos(ka) = Bsin(ka)

And using the standard trick of integrating the Schrödinger equation on a small integral around the origin [-ε,ε] and taking the limit ε→0, we get another condition:
ik (C-D-A+B)= \frac{2m\kappa}{\hbar^2}(A+B)

which by rearranging we can also express as:
C-D = A(1-2i\beta) - B(1+2i\beta)
where \beta= \frac{m\kappa}{k\hbar^2}

And at this stage I am a bit stuck about what to do next with these boundary conditions, in order to solve for the constants A,B,C,D and get the S-matrix components. I have already solved this same problem in the case where there is a wall on either side of the delta-barrier, and in the case where the system is open on either side, but I'm not sure how to proceed with this semi-open case. Any help, hints or advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
 
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What did you do to determine the constants in the case where its open on either side? I'm guessing you can follow a similar procedure here for the open side. That plus normalization should be enough.
 
In that case I simply took the constant D to be 0, since it represents the amplitudes of waves coming in from the right side, and in that example I made the arbitrary assumption to consider waves being propagated from the left only. This made everything a lot easier, but here I don't think I can do the same thing, since I should expect some reflected waves coming back in the opposite direction due to the wall. Am I right in thinking this?
 
That's true in the region between the infinite wall and the delta potential, however, for x>0 you can assume that there are no waves propagating from the right since there's no potential to the right of the delta function were they could be reflected.
 

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