Quantum mechanics, potential barrier

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a quantum mechanics problem involving a particle encountering a potential barrier. The participant successfully derived the wave functions for different regions and established continuity conditions, leading to a transmission coefficient expressed as F/A. However, confusion arose regarding the need to take the modulus squared of this ratio to obtain the correct transmission coefficient, as indicated in Cohen-Tanoudji's textbook. The participant initially misunderstood the relationship between F/A and the transmission coefficient but later clarified that the modulus squared is necessary for accurate results. The conversation highlights the importance of careful interpretation of quantum mechanics principles and textbook references.
fluidistic
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Homework Statement


A particle of mass m goes toward the unidimensional barrier potential of the form V(x)=0 for x\leq 0 and a\leq x and V(x)=V_0 for 0<x<a.
1)Write the corresponding Schrödinger's equation.
2)Calculate the transmission coefficient for the cases 0<E<V_0 and E>V_0. Hint: Check out quantum mechanics books.

Homework Equations


Schrödinger's equation.

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved the Schrödinger's equation for Psi.
The result I have is
\Psi _I (x)=Ae^{ik_1 x}+Be^{-i _k1x}
\Psi _{II}(x)=De^{-k_2x}
\Psi _{III}(x)=Fe^{ik_1x}.
The continuity conditions give:
(1) A+B=D.
(2) i k_1 A-i k_1 B=-k_2 D.
(3) De^{-k_2a}=Fe^{ik_1a}
(4) -k_2 De^{-ak_2}=ik_1 Fe^{ik_1a}.

I isolated B in function of A. I reached B=A \cdot \frac{\left (1 +\frac{ik_1}{k_2} \right ) }{ \left ( \frac{ik_1}{k_2} -1\right )}.
Since D=A+B, I got D in function of A only.
And since F=De^{-a(k_2+ik_1)}, I reached F in function of A only.
Now the coefficient of transmission is \frac{F}{A}. This gives me \left [ 1+ \frac{\left ( 1+ \frac{ik_1}{k_2} \right ) }{\left ( \frac{ik_1}{k_2}-1 \right ) } \right ] e^{-a(k_2+i_k1)}.
I checked out in Cohen-Tanoudji's book about this and... he says that F/A represent the transmission coeffient just like me but then in the algebra, he does T= \big | \frac{F}{A} \big | ^2. He reaches T=\frac{4k_1^2k_2^2}{4k_1^2k_2^2+(k_1^2-k_2^2)^2 \sin k_2 a}.
So I don't understand why he says F/A but does the modulus of it to the second power. And he seems to get a totally different answer from mine.
By the way my k_1=\sqrt {\frac{-2mE}{\hbar ^2}} and my k_2=\sqrt {\frac{2m(V_0-E)}{\hbar ^2}}.
What am I doing wrong?!
 
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It's possible to get reflections at x=a, so the region II wave function needs to be modified.

The transmission coefficient is |F/A|2.
 
fluidistic said:
I checked out in Cohen-Tanoudji's book about this and... he says that F/A represent the transmission coeffient just like me but then in the algebra
Where did he say this? I can never find anything in that encyclopedia of a textbook.

The closest thing I saw was that he said you could get the transmission coefficient from the ratio, but he never actually said the ratio itself was the transmission coefficient.
 
vela said:
It's possible to get reflections at x=a, so the region II wave function needs to be modified.

The transmission coefficient is |F/A|2.
Ah whoops, I totally missed this.
vela said:
Where did he say this? I can never find anything in that encyclopedia of a textbook.

The closest thing I saw was that he said you could get the transmission coefficient from the ratio, but he never actually said the ratio itself was the transmission coefficient.
Again oops once again. You're right, he says that the ratio allows us to determine the coefficients.
Ok I understand now why it's the modulus to the second power. I'll rework on that.
 
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