How Does Adding a Hydrogen Layer Affect Tunneling Coefficients in STM Analysis?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on how adding a hydrogen layer affects tunneling coefficients in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) analysis. The original tunneling coefficient is denoted as T0, while the modified coefficient with the hydrogen layer is T1. The participant struggles with applying Taylor expansions to understand the difference T0-T1, particularly when the radius R of the hydrogen layer is much smaller than the inverse of alpha (1/α). They recognize that the tunneling probability is influenced by the potential barrier and penetration depth, but express uncertainty about how to start the calculations. The conversation highlights the need for a clearer understanding of Taylor expansions in this context.
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Homework Statement



In my never ending quest to suck and never be able to do Taylor Expansions, I have another one. I hope one day I'll be able to do these.

I have an unknown material and a scanning tunnel microscope. A layer of hydrogen atoms of radius R are added to the surface. This of course will affect my potential barrier as it changes the work function of my set up.

Call my original tunneling coefficient to be T0 and my hydrogen layer to be T1.

With R << 1/α, how does the difference T0-T1 modifies. Use a taylor expansion.

Homework Equations



My tunneling probability is given by:

T=\frac{16E(U_{0}-E)}{U_{0}^{2}}e^{-4 \alpha L}

Where my transmission coefficient is given by:

T=\frac{16E(U_{0}-E)}{U_{0}^{2}}


The Attempt at a Solution



I hate posting problems like this because I have no idea how to begin.

I know that 1/α Ξ δ where δ is the penetration depth in a potential barrier. And obviously is L>>δ not much of the wave function will survive the barrier. So here R is much less than the penetration depth.

That's about all I have. :redface:
 
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So...any ideas?

I've tried reading up a bit more on Taylor expansions but still don't quite get how to apply them in this case.
 
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