How to Calculate Quantum Tunneling Probability for an Electron?

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iAlexN
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Homework Statement


A particle with the energy E < V[itex]_{0}[/itex] (V[itex]_{0}[/itex] > 0) moves in the potential V(x) = 0, x<0 ; V(x)= V[itex]_{0}[/itex], 0<x<d and V(x)= 0, x>d. Measure the probability that the particle will tunnel through the barrier by calculating the absolute value of the ratio squared, |[itex]\Psi[/itex](d)/[itex]\Psi[/itex](0)|[itex]^{2}[/itex] between the values of the wave function at x=d and x = 0

Calculate the probability for an electron, when V[itex]_{0}[/itex]- E=1 eV and d = 1 Å.

Homework Equations


[itex]\Psi[/itex](x) = ae[itex]^{\kappa*x}[/itex]+be[itex]^{-\kappa*x}[/itex], [itex]\kappa[/itex] = [itex]\sqrt{2m( V_{0}-E)/\hbar^{2}}[/itex] for E<V[itex]_{0}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Firstly I get:

[itex]\kappa[/itex] = [itex]\sqrt{2m(1)/\hbar^{2}}[/itex] for E<V[itex]_{0}[/itex]

However, the problem is with this wave function:

[itex]\Psi[/itex](x) = ae[itex]^{\kappa*x}[/itex]+be[itex]^{-\kappa*x}[/itex]

In order to calculate the ratio, |[itex]\Psi[/itex](d)/[itex]\Psi[/itex](0)|[itex]^{2}[/itex], I think I have to define a and b somehow, but I don't know where to start.

Thanks!
 
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You have to solve Shroedinger's equation in all three regions. Then you need to apply the appropriate boundary conditions.