Probability for Quantum tunnelling

Finally, you can use the given values to find the probability of tunneling. In summary, to calculate the probability of tunneling for a particle with energy E < V_{0} (V_{0} > 0) moving in a potential with a barrier, you need to solve Shroedinger's equation and apply boundary conditions. Then, using the given values, you can find the probability by calculating the ratio of the wave function at the barrier and at the starting point.
  • #1
iAlexN
16
0

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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  • #2
You have to solve Shroedinger's equation in all three regions. Then you need to apply the appropriate boundary conditions.
 

1. What is quantum tunnelling?

Quantum tunnelling is a phenomenon in which a particle has a non-zero probability of crossing a potential energy barrier, even if it does not have enough energy to overcome the barrier classically.

2. How does probability play a role in quantum tunnelling?

In quantum tunnelling, the probability of a particle crossing the barrier is determined by the wave function of the particle. The wave function describes the probability amplitude of the particle at different points in space, and can be used to calculate the probability of the particle tunneling through the barrier.

3. What factors affect the probability of quantum tunnelling?

The most important factor is the height and width of the potential energy barrier. A higher and wider barrier will result in a lower probability of tunnelling. The mass and energy of the particle also play a role, as well as the shape of the barrier.

4. Is quantum tunnelling a purely random process?

No, quantum tunnelling is a probabilistic process, but it is not purely random. The probability of a particle tunneling through a barrier can be calculated using the wave function, which is determined by the physical properties of the particle and the barrier.

5. What are some real-world applications of quantum tunnelling?

Quantum tunnelling has many important applications, including scanning tunneling microscopy, which allows scientists to image individual atoms on a surface. It is also used in tunnel diodes, which are used in electronic devices such as transistors. In addition, quantum tunnelling is a key concept in quantum computing, which has the potential to greatly increase computing power and speed.

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