Transmission over a finite square well

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of the transmission coefficient (T) for a wave function in a finite square well potential, specifically for unbound states (E>0). The participant presents their derivation and compares it to the textbook formula, identifying discrepancies in the equations involving the reflection coefficient (R). A key suggestion is made to modify one of the equations to align with the textbook's results, emphasizing the importance of accurate algebraic manipulation in quantum mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly wave functions and potential wells.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of transmission (T) and reflection (R) coefficients.
  • Proficiency in complex algebra, especially involving exponential functions and trigonometric identities.
  • Knowledge of the finite square well model and its implications in quantum mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of transmission and reflection coefficients in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the finite square well potential and its applications in quantum physics.
  • Explore complex algebra techniques, particularly in the context of wave functions.
  • Review common errors in algebraic manipulation within quantum mechanics problems.
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Students and professionals in quantum mechanics, physicists working with wave functions, and anyone involved in theoretical physics who seeks to understand the intricacies of transmission and reflection in potential wells.

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Hi,

My Quantum textbook loves to skip the algebra in its derivations. It claims that the solution for 'T', the transmission coefficient of the wave function (E>0, ie. unbound) is

T = \frac{2qke^{-2ika}}{2qkcos(2qa)-i(k^{2}+q^{2})sin(2qa)}

Its prior step is to offer two equations (which match my own derivation) for T in terms of R (the reflection coefficient):

<br /> e^{-ika}+R^{ika} = \frac{T}{2}((1+\frac{k}{q})e^{ika-2iqa}+(1-\frac{k}{q})e^{ika+2iqa})<br />

<br /> e^{-ika}-R^{ika} = \frac{q}{k}.\frac{T}{2}((1-\frac{k}{q})e^{ika-2iqa}-(1-\frac{k}{q})e^{ika+2iqa})<br />

My own attempt to fill in the gap between the two proceeds as follows, but I didn't quite arrive at that final expression...

<br /> 2e^{-ika} = T/2.e^{ika}[(1+k/q).e^{-2iqa} + (1-k/q).e^{2iqa} + (q/k-1).e^{-2iqa} - (q/k-1).e^{2iqa}]<br />

<br /> 4e^{-2ika} = T.[(1+k/q+q/k-1).e^{-2iqa} + (1-k/q-q/k+1).e^{2iqa}]<br />

<br /> 4qke^{-2ika} = T.[(k^{2}+q^{2}).e^{-2iqa} + (2kq-k^{2}-q^{2}).e^{2iqa}]<br />

<br /> 4qke^{-2ika} = T.[(k^{2}+q^{2}).(e^{-2iqa}- + e^{2iqa}) + 2kq.e^{2iqa}]<br />

<br /> 4qke^{-2ika} = T.[(k^{2}+q^{2}).(-2isin(2qa)) + 2kq.(cos 2qa + isin sqa)]<br />

<br /> T = \frac{4qke^{-2ika}}{2kq.(cos 2qa + isin 2qa)-2i(k^{2}+q^{2})sin(2qa)}<br /><br /> T = \frac{2qke^{-2ika}}{kq.(cos 2qa + isin 2qa)-i(k^{2}+q^{2})sin(2qa)}<br />

(Hopefully I've copied all that down correctly!).

Can anyone spot a false move, or what it is I need to do to make my derivation match the textbook formula.

Cheers!
 
Last edited:
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It seems like your answer would match theirs if:

e^{-ika}-R^{ika} = \frac{q}{k}.\frac{T}{2}((1-\frac{k}{q})e^{ika-2iqa}-(1-\frac{k}{q})e^{ika+2iqa})

was changed to:

e^{-ika}-R^{ika} = \frac{q}{k}.\frac{T}{2}((1+\frac{k}{q})e^{ika-2iqa}-(1-\frac{k}{q})e^{ika+2iqa})

which also matches the other line better. Are you sure you derived/copied this down right?
 

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