Seemingly difficult complex arithmetic problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves complex arithmetic in the context of quantum mechanics, specifically analyzing wave transmission and reflection coefficients related to a one-dimensional square well. The original poster seeks assistance in deriving expressions for transmission (T) and reflection (R) coefficients based on given equations involving wave amplitudes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses a desire for hints rather than complete solutions, indicating a focus on understanding complex arithmetic. Some participants suggest using trigonometric identities and properties of complex numbers to approach the problem. Others question how to simplify the equations given that G=0 and explore the implications of this simplification.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and exploring different aspects of the problem. There is a recognition of the need to connect the mathematical elements to the underlying physical concepts. Some participants are actively trying to rationalize their understanding of the problem and how to manipulate the equations.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that this is a challenge problem from a mathematical methods in physics class, indicating that there may be specific constraints or expectations related to the homework assignment. There is also a sense of uncertainty among participants regarding the best approach to take.

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Homework Statement


Transmission of a quantum mechanical wave past a one-dimensional square well results in the following expressions relating initial to final wave amplitudes:

A= (cos(2ka)-{i\epsilon\over2}sin(2ka))e^{2ia\lambda}F+{i\eta\over2}sin(2ka)G
B= {-i\eta\over2}sin(2ka)F+(cos(2ka)+{i\epsilon\over2}sin(2ka))e^{-2ia\lambda}G

\epsilon={\lambda\over(k)}+{k\over\lambda}
\eta={\lambda\over(k)}-{(k)\over\lambda}

For G=0 (this represents an initial beam coming in only from the left) the "transmission" and "reflection" coefficients are defined respectively as:
T=|{F\over(A)}|^2
R=|{B\over(A)}|^2=1-T

Show that

T={1\over(cos^2(2ka)+{\epsilon^2\over4}sin^2(2ka))}

and

R={({\epsilon^2\over4}-1)sin^2(2ka)\over1+({\epsilon^2\over4}-1)sin^2(2ka)}

Homework Equations


See above

The Attempt at a Solution



This is a "challenge" problem from my mathematical methods in physics class. I have faith in this class and I would like to ask for a hint. What I mean is that I believe this problem will give me greater insight into complex arithmetic as the other challenge problems have. I worked with my group members for a few hours last night and didn't get anywhere. Mainly we kept trying to re-write things in different terms to see if we could reach the desired result. I believe that we are not thinking about the "spirit" (as my professor calls it) of the question. That is we are not thinking about how this question relates to complex arithmetic. Any takers?
Thank you for taking the time to read this thread.

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
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What's so hard about this question?

It only requires some very basic trigonometric identities and properties of moduli.

Several Hints:

To derive T, 1) e-i(theta) = cos(theta) - i sin(theta)
2) How does one divide 2 complex numbers (ie. (x1 + iy1)/(x2 + iy2) )?
3) multiplicative property of moduli: |zw| = |z| x |w|
where z & w are complex

R just requires the use of some simple trigonometric identities, involving the T term that was derived.

Good Luck!
 
Since G=0 we can drop off a portion of Eq A and B, right?

Hint 1. I am aware of hint 1 but I do not see how it fits in.
Hint 2. To divide 2 complex numbers, it is best to rationalize the denominator by multiplying by the complex conjugate.
Hint 3. I also know about that property of moduli. I had to prove it in an earlier exercise.

I am not tying things together here...
 
Last edited:
Sorry to bump, but I wanted to bring this problem to a wider audience. Can anyone else offer a bit more insight to the problem?
 
So you set G to 0 and solve for F/A, and you get

\left|\frac{F}{A}\right|=\frac{1}{|[\cos(2ka)-{i\epsilon\over2}\sin(2ka)]e^{2ia\lambda}|}

What are |\cos(2ka)-i(\epsilon/2)\sin(2ka)| and |e^{2ia\lambda}| equal to?
 

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