Transmission Coefficient through a delta potential

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the transmission coefficient through a delta potential defined by the equation ##V(x) = g \delta(x)##, where ##g>0##. The relevant equations provided include the transmission coefficient formula $$T = \dfrac{J_t}{J_i}$$ and the current density equation $$J=\dfrac{\hbar}{2mi}(\Psi^\star\dfrac{d\Psi}{dx} - \Psi \dfrac{d \Psi ^\star}{dx})$$. Participants clarify that the incident wave is represented by ##\Psi_i## and the transmitted wave by ##\Psi_t##, with the incident wave approaching from the left (##x<0##) and the transmitted wave moving to the right (##x>0##).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically wave functions and scattering theory.
  • Familiarity with delta potentials and their implications in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of Green's functions in the context of quantum systems.
  • Proficiency in calculating current densities and transmission coefficients.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Green's function for delta potentials in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the physical interpretation of transmission and reflection coefficients in quantum scattering.
  • Explore the implications of varying the strength of the delta potential (parameter ##g##) on the transmission coefficient.
  • Investigate the role of complex wave numbers in quantum mechanics and their effect on wave propagation.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those focusing on scattering theory, wave function analysis, and potential barriers in one-dimensional systems.

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Homework Statement



Consider an uni-dimensional scattering by a delta function at the origin, given by the potential ##V(x) = g \delta(x)##, with ##g>0##.

Using the following result, with ##G(x)## being the green function:

$$\Psi (x) = e^{ikx} + g \dfrac{2m}{\hbar}\dfrac{G(x)}{1-2mgG(0)/\hbar^2} = e^{ikx} + g \dfrac{2m}{\hbar 2ik}\dfrac{e^{ikx}}{1-2mgG(0)/\hbar^2}$$

Find the transmission coefficient through the potential.

Homework Equations



$$T = \dfrac{J_t}{J_i}$$

$$J=\dfrac{\hbar}{2mi}(\Psi^\star\dfrac{d\Psi}{dx} - \Psi \dfrac{d \Psi ^\star}{dx})$$

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I know I am supposed to use the equations I wrote above, but I don't know what I should consider as the ##\Psi_i## and ##\Psi_t##. Any help in that regard?
 
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The i means incident, and the t means transmitted, right? What's the physical situation in this problem? The incident wave is coming toward the potential from one side, and the transmitted wave is the part that gets through. Which side is the the incident wave coming from?
 
vela said:
The i means incident, and the t means transmitted, right? What's the physical situation in this problem? The incident wave is coming toward the potential from one side, and the transmitted wave is the part that gets through. Which side is the the incident wave coming from?

I forgot to mention that ##G(x) = \dfrac{1}{2ik}e^{ikx}##

You're correct, ##i## means incident and ##t## means transmitted. I don't know how to answer your other queries though. I do not know what's the physical situation in this problem, but I suppose you're right in saying that a wave is coming from one side and gets transmitted and reflected. Again, there's no info about the physical situation, but I'm going to say that the wave comes from the left (##x<0##) and gets transmitted (##x>0##).
 

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