(Hard QM) Consider the double well potential with delta func

In summary, the student attempted to solve the homework equations using the determinant method, but ran into difficulty. They eventually solved the equations using the matrix approach and found that they only needed to solve for one unknown, E.
  • #1
NucEngMajor
21
0

Homework Statement


Consider the double well potential with two wells separated by delta function in middle.

V(x) = V0 > 0 for x<-a and x>a
0 for -a<x<0 and 0<x<a
αδ for x =0
1. Find Bound state energies
2. Find odd solns and their eigenvalue equation. Give solns in graphical form
3. Repeat 2. for even
4. Plot two lowest order even and odd soln

Homework Equations


S.E

The Attempt at a Solution


I wrote down BC's noting discontinuity at delta and obtained 6 equations (think they are right?). Prof said to use the fact that the determinant of system must vanish to get energy eigenvalue equation. I don't know how to go about this. I know the other way would be incredibly long and tedious.
Aexp(-la) = Csin(-ka)+Dcos(-ka)
lAexp(-la) = Ckcos(-ka)-Dksin(-ka)
Gexp(-la) = Esin(ka) + Fcos(ka)
-lGexp(-la) = Ekcos(ka) - Fksin(ka)
D=F
k(E-C)=2mαF/h^2 (h is "h bar")[/B]
 
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  • #2
You have a system of six linear equations with six unknowns (A, C, D, E, F, and G). In matrix form, you'll have ##M\vec{x} = 0## where ##\vec{x} = (A, C, D, E, F, G)^T##. If the determinant of ##M## is non-zero, the only solution is the trivial solution ##\vec{x}=0##, which isn't what you want, so you need ##\det(M)=0##. So start by figuring out what ##M## is.
 
  • #3
vela said:
You have a system of six linear equations with six unknowns (A, C, D, E, F, and G). In matrix form, you'll have ##M\vec{x} = 0## where ##\vec{x} = (A, C, D, E, F, G)^T##. If the determinant of ##M## is non-zero, the only solution is the trivial solution ##\vec{x}=0##, which isn't what you want, so you need ##\det(M)=0##. So start by figuring out what ##M## is.
How does one go about constructing M from this? Not looking for answer, but I quite honestly don't know how to start...
 
  • #4
The same way you convert, for example, the equations
\begin{align*}
x' &= x \cos\theta - y\sin\theta \\
y' &= x \sin\theta + y \cos\theta
\end{align*}
to
$$\begin{pmatrix} x' \\ y' \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} \cos\theta & -\sin \theta \\ \sin\theta & \cos\theta \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix}$$
 
  • #5
NucEngMajor,

You can greatly reduce the number of unknowns by using the fact that your wavefunctions are either even or odd. If you know the wavefunction for x ≥ 0, you automatically know the wavefunction for x < 0. Then, if you want to use the matrix approach, your matrix will be just 3 x 3 instead of 6 x 6.
 
Last edited:
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Likes vela
  • #6
Ended up using algebra and getting a sensible answer. Thanks
 

1. What is the double well potential with delta function?

The double well potential with delta function is a type of potential energy function used in quantum mechanics to describe the behavior of particles in a system with two potential wells. The delta function represents a localized and infinitely high potential barrier, creating two distinct energy minima or "wells" in the system.

2. How is the double well potential with delta function used in quantum mechanics?

The double well potential with delta function serves as a simplified model for studying quantum tunneling phenomena, in which particles can cross energy barriers that would be classically impossible. It is also used to understand the behavior of quantum systems that exhibit bistability, meaning they can exist in two distinct states at the same time.

3. What are the key features of the double well potential with delta function?

The key features of the double well potential with delta function include the presence of two potential wells, a localized delta function at the center of the potential, and a potential barrier separating the two wells. The potential barrier serves as a barrier to particle motion, and the delta function creates a localized energy minimum at the center of the potential.

4. How does the shape of the potential affect the behavior of particles in the double well potential with delta function?

The shape of the potential has a significant impact on the behavior of particles in the double well potential with delta function. If the potential barrier is high and narrow, particles will have a harder time tunneling through it, resulting in a longer tunneling time. On the other hand, if the potential barrier is lower and wider, particles will have an easier time tunneling, resulting in a shorter tunneling time.

5. What are some real-world applications of the double well potential with delta function?

The double well potential with delta function has applications in various fields, including condensed matter physics, chemical physics, and quantum computing. It is used to study the properties of superconductors, the behavior of electrons in semiconductor devices, and the dynamics of chemical reactions. In quantum computing, the double well potential with delta function is used to model the behavior of qubits, which are the basic units of quantum information processing.

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