# Reflection coefficient of the step function potential

## Homework Statement

Consider the step function potential: $$V(x) = \{ \begin{array}{*{20}c} {0,(x \le 0)} \\ {V_0 ,(x > 0)} \\ \end{array}$$,Caculate the reflection coefficient,for the case E<V0,and comment on the answer

## Homework Equations

$$- \frac{{\hbar ^2 }}{{2m}}\frac{{d^2 \psi }}{{dx^2 }} + V_0 \psi = E\psi$$

## The Attempt at a Solution

when x<=0,let $$k = \frac{{\sqrt {2mE} }}{\hbar }$$,then $$\psi (x) = Ae^{kxi} + Be^{ - kxi}$$,if x>0,then let $$l = \frac{{\sqrt {2m(V_0 - E)} }}{\hbar }$$,and $$\psi (x) = De^{ - lx}$$

Then how do we explain it?The funtion is real in the right

Last edited:

vela
Staff Emeritus
Homework Helper
So far, all you've done is written down the solutions to the wave equation in two regions. What's the next step? What's the definition of the reflection coefficient?

In the book,if psi(x) is not real in the right and left,then we can find the transmission and reflection coefficient.But in this question,it's not all complex.

definition of the reflection coefficient?You must know Quantum Tunneliing.it that one

vela
Staff Emeritus