Infinite square well with barrier in the middle

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the energy levels of a double square well potential, specifically V_{S}(x) defined with infinite barriers at |x| > b and |x| < a, and a finite barrier between -a and a. The introduction of a finite barrier allows for tunneling, which splits the previously degenerate energy levels. The energy levels E_{\pm} are derived as E_{\pm}=E_{0}-\frac{p_{0} \hbar}{m (b-a)}(\delta (E_{0}) \mp \frac{J(E_{0})}{2}), where E_{0} is the energy level from the infinite well scenario, and \delta(E) and J(E) represent the reflection and transmission amplitudes, respectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, particularly the Schrödinger equation.
  • Familiarity with potential wells and tunneling phenomena.
  • Knowledge of reflection and transmission amplitudes in quantum mechanics.
  • Basic grasp of energy level calculations in quantum systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of finite potential barriers in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the mathematical derivation of reflection and transmission coefficients.
  • Explore the concept of degeneracy in quantum systems and its implications.
  • Investigate the effects of varying barrier heights on energy levels in quantum wells.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying potential wells, tunneling effects, and energy level calculations. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of quantum systems with finite barriers.

christianpoved
Messages
15
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Show that the energy levels of a double square well V_{S}(x)= \begin{cases}<br /> \infty, &amp; \left|x\right|&gt;b\\<br /> 0, &amp; a&lt;\left|x\right|&lt;b\\<br /> \infty, &amp; \left|x\right|&lt;a<br /> \end{cases} are doubly degenerate. (Done)

Now suppose that the barrier between -a and a is very high, but finite. Assume that the potential between -a and a is symmetric about the origin. There is now the possibility of tunneling from one well to the other, and this possibility has the effect of splitting the degeneracy of the double well in part (a). Let Eo be an energy level of the well in part (a), and assume that Eo is reasonably less than the barrier height. Assume that in the neighborhood of Eo the reflection amplitude of the barrier at -a is of the form \exp(-i\delta (E)) where delta is real, positive and much smaller than 1. Also assume the transmission amplitude to be of the form iJ (E)) where J is small and positive. Show that to lowest order in delta and J the well with the finite barrier has two levels E corresponding to each degenerate level of the double square well in (a), given by E_{\pm}=E_{0}-\frac{p_{0} \hbar}{m (b-a)}(\delta (E_{0}) \mp \frac{J(E_{0})}{2})

Homework Equations



I guess that the relations between the transmission an reflection amplitudes are important, also i need a relation between the energy and the amplitudes

The Attempt at a Solution



I did part (a) solving the Schrödinger equation by regiones arriving to this wavefunction

\psi_{1}\left(x\right)=A_{1}\sin\left(n\pi\frac{x+b}{b-a}\right)
between -b and -a.
\psi_{2}\left(x\right)=\pm A_{2}\sin\left(n\pi\frac{x-a}{b-a}\right)
between a and b. With an energy of E=\frac{n_{2}^{2}\hbar^{2}\pi^{2}}{2m\left(b-a\right)^{2}} showing that every energy state is doubly degenerated. But i have no idea how to do part b
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Well what happens to the wavefunctions etc if the barrier in the middle is not infinite?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
14K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K