Triangular Potential Well

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the Transmission and Reflection coefficients for a triangular potential well defined by the potential function U=U_{0}(1-\frac{x}{a}) for x≥0 and U=0 for x<0, where U_{0}>0 and a>0. The primary challenge arises from the wave function's behavior, particularly when it is a superposition of Airy functions on the right side, leading to a 100% reflection probability despite a non-zero wave function. The participant struggles with the application of boundary conditions, noting that only two conditions are available for three coefficients in the general solution, and seeks clarity on the relationship between the coefficients and the wave functions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum Mechanics fundamentals, particularly wave functions and potential wells.
  • Understanding of Airy functions and their applications in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of boundary conditions in quantum systems.
  • Familiarity with Transmission and Reflection coefficients in quantum mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Transmission and Reflection coefficients in triangular potential wells.
  • Research the GUNDLACH Method and its applications in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the properties and applications of Airy functions in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore advanced boundary condition techniques in quantum mechanics problems.
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Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying potential wells, wave functions, and the behavior of particles in quantum systems.

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Homework Statement


find Transmission and Reflection coefficients (QM) for the following triangular potential well:

U=U_{0}(1-\frac{x}{a}) : x\geq0 and U= 0 : x<0

and U_{0}>0 , a>0

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


Basically constructing the wave functions is very easy (from the left side of the plane we have flat de'broel wave, from the right side we have a solution of superposition of Airy's functions of the first and second kinds), but then the problems arise:

1- first problem that i can't understand, is when our wave function is super position (coefficients still maybe complex) purely real, the current will be anyway equal to zero (in case of right side with Airy functions), this mean that our particle will reflect with 100% probability, while the wave function still not zero at the right side (what means that the particle may be discovered there), how I should understand that? all of the books I checked keeps silent regarding this case.

2- the general solution has 3 coefficients (1 in the flat incoming & reflecting flat wave from the left and 2 for Airyi's right solution) and i have only two boundary conditions to combine the two solutions at x=0, and please note that in case of this problem divergence of Bi is not a threat here and the both functions are bounded, so there is no other boundary conditions that can be used, and we can't suppose that our wave function is asymptotically flat at x->\infinity becuase at that point interaction of the field with the particle is not zero as usually supposed (not so physical but anyway..)

I couldn't find a similar problem anywhere, except that a similar thing happens in studding semiconductors as is written here :http://www.iue.tuwien.ac.at/phd/gehring/node47.html#s:gundlach that mentioned some "GUNDLACH Method" that i couldn't find in other references to it, plus as i understood the suppose additional boundary condition not available for this problem.
 
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Finally, I can't understand what is the exact relation between the Transmission/Reflection coefficients and the wave functions, and how to combine the two solutions without additional boundary condition.I will be thankful for any help.
 

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