Solving Potential Barrier Problems with Electron Beams

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving problems related to electron beams encountering potential barriers. The first problem involves calculating the reflection coefficient |R|^2 for an electron beam with kinetic energy E=7.5 eV encountering a barrier of height V'=1 eV and width 2a=1.2 nm. The second problem addresses the probability of a particle penetrating a barrier, specifically how the probability changes when the barrier thickness is doubled. The third problem examines the conditions under which electrons with E=10.0 eV can pass through a potential barrier of height 2.0 eV without reflection, requiring the calculation of minimum barrier thickness.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals, specifically wave functions and potential barriers
  • Understanding of reflection and transmission coefficients in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with the Schrödinger equation and its applications
  • Basic knowledge of electron behavior in potential fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the reflection coefficient |R|^2 for potential barriers
  • Learn about the exponential decay of wave functions in potential barriers
  • Research the concept of tunneling probability and its dependence on barrier thickness
  • Explore the conditions for total transmission in quantum mechanics, focusing on barrier width and height
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those specializing in quantum mechanics, as well as researchers working with electron beam applications and potential barrier problems.

jlucas134
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New some help with some problems. I have tried them an listed what I have done so far...

1. A beam of electrons is sent along the x-axis from - with kinetic energy E=7.5eV. The beam encounters a potential barrier of height V'=1eV and width 2a=1.2nm.
What fraction of the incident beam is reflected? [Hint: Assume E>>V0]
I found k and q and from these found |R|^2, but have had no success in getting the correct answer. Am I supposed to do something after I find |R|^2?

2. Suppose a wave function within a barrier is approximately proportional to e-kx. The
probability that a particle will penetrate a barrier of thickness 2a is 0.010. What is the
probability of penetrating a barrier that is twice as thick?
Not even sure where to start here... I know that my thickness will now be 4a, but what now?

3. Suppose electrons with E= 10.0 eV approach a potential barrier of height 2.0 eV.
a. Suppose electrons with E= 10.0 eV approach a potential barrier of height 2.0 eV. in nanometers

b. For what minimum barrier thickness is there no reflection? in nanometers
Not sure where to start. I think i need to solve for 2aq=n*pi for a and for b where n*pi/2.

I am not really looking for the answers, but how to solve them as there is not much help in the text.

Thanks in advance.
 
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Can you show us your work on question 1?
 

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