QM - Transmission coefficient for square well

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the transmission coefficient (T) for a square well potential with a depth of 10 eV and a width of 7.65 x 10^-11 m, using a steady stream of 5 eV electrons. The formula used is T = [1 + (V0^2 sinh^2(κa) / 4E(V0 - E))]^-1, where κ^2 = (8mπ^2/h^2)(V0 - E). Initial calculations yielded T = 0.388, but upon reviewing the calculations, the correct value is confirmed to be T = 0.75, as verified by WolframAlpha. The error stemmed from a misapplication of the sinh identity.

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

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

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 sinh^2 κa = -4.73.
Plugging the other values in I arrive at T = 0.388 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:
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The h in the denominator for κ2 should be h2, I guess.

I can confirm 1.52i, but if I put this in the final formula I get 0.75.
Well, WolframAlpha does.
 
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 sinh~iθ = i~sinh~θ is nonsense :rolleyes: embarrassing
 

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