QM - Transmission coefficient for square well

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DeltaFunction
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Homework Statement



A steady stream of 5 eV electrons impinges on a square well of depth 10 eV. The width of the well is 7.65 * 10^-11 m. What fraction of electrons are transmitted?

Homework Equations


The following equation for the transmission coefficient, T, is given:
[tex]T = [1 + \frac{V_0 ^2 sinh^2 κa}{4E(V_0 - E)}]^-1[/tex] (**that is meant to be ^-1 for the whole bracket - apologies, this is my first time using LaTex**)
Where [tex]κ^2 = \frac{8mπ^2}{h^2}(V_0 - E)[/tex]

We are also provided with a not-so-subtle hint that [tex]sinh~iθ = i~sinh~θ[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



So I have assigned the following values based on the information:

a = 7.65 * 10^-11 m
E = 5 eV
V = - 10 eV
m = 9.11 * 10^-31 kg

It then seems like it should be very straightforward. I calculate ka and found this to be 1.52i. Then using the definition of sinh I calculate [itex]sinh^2 κa = -4.73[/itex].
Plugging the other values in I arrive at [tex]T = 0.388[/tex] which seemed reasonable to me, but... The postgrad who marked my work fed back to me that the numerical answer he had was T = 0.75.
I'd be really grateful if someone can check the calculation for me, because it's really bugging me that I can't see my error.
Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
on Phys.org
Thank you, yes it should be h^2, I've now corrected that. I guess I'll go through the figures again carefully :/
 
I've realized my stupid mistake. I copied down the identity incorrectly. A moments thought and I would have seen that [tex]sinh~iθ = i~sinh~θ[/tex] is nonsense :rolleyes: embarrassing