How Long Does a Particle Stay in a Quantum Potential Well?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the duration a particle remains in a quantum potential well defined by the potential function \( V(x) \). The potential well consists of three regions: infinite potential for \( x < 0 \), a constant negative potential \( -V_0 \) for \( 0 < x < R \), and a varying potential for \( x \geq R \). The transmission coefficient \( T \) is utilized to determine the tunneling probability, leading to the expression \( \lambda = vT \), where \( \lambda \) represents the quantum tunneling rate. The lifetime of the particle in the well is then calculated as the reciprocal of this rate.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Understanding of potential wells and quantum tunneling
  • Familiarity with the Schrödinger equation
  • Knowledge of transmission coefficients in quantum physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the transmission coefficient \( T \) in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the Schrödinger equation for one-dimensional potential wells
  • Explore quantum tunneling phenomena and its applications
  • Investigate the implications of varying potential functions on particle behavior
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in particle behavior in potential wells and quantum tunneling effects.

andrewtz98
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Let's suppose I have a potential well: $$
V(x)=
\begin{cases}
\infty,\quad x<0\\
-V_0,\quad 0<x<R\\
\frac{\hbar^2g^2}{2mx^2},\quad x\geq R
\end{cases}
$$

If ##E=\frac{\hbar^2k^2}{2m}## and ##g>>1##, how can I calculate how much time a particle of mass ##m## and energy ##E## will stay inside the well?

I'm thinking of using the expression of the transmission coefficient: $$T=e^{-2\int_{x_1}^{x_2}dx\sqrt{\frac{2m}{\hbar^2}[V(x)-E]}}$$
and ##\lambda=vT##, where ##\lambda## the probability per unit of time for the particle to pass through and ##v## the number of collisions per second. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The expression you wrote down for $$ \lambda = \nu T $$ should give you the quantum tunneling rate. To find the lifetime of the particle in the well, find the reciprocal of the rate.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
539
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K