Tunnelling Probability of 2.1eV Electron on 3.1eV Barrier

In summary, the conversation discusses the probability of an electron with energy 2.10 eV passing through a barrier of width 0.67 nm and height 3.10 eV. The homework equations used are T=Ge^-2KL, K=2pi*sqrt((E-Uo)/1.505eVnm^2)), and G=16*(E/Uo)*(1-(E/Uo)). The attempt at a solution calculates T using the values of K and G, but it is not the correct answer. It is suggested to use |T|^2 instead of just T for the probability of the electron tunneling.
  • #1
rgalvan2
30
0

Homework Statement



An electron of energy E = 2.10 eV is incident on a barrier of width L = 0.67 nm and height Vo = 3.10 eV

What is the probability that the electron will pass through the barrier?

Homework Equations



I know that T=Ge^-2KL.
K=2pi*sqrt((E-Uo)/1.505eVnm^2))
G=16*(E/Uo)*(1-(E/Uo))

The Attempt at a Solution



K=5.12nm^-1
G=3.5
T=3.5*exp(-2*(5.12nm^-1)*(.67nm))
nm cancels in the exponent so:
T=3.5*exp(-2*5.12*.67)=3.5*.001=.35%
This isn't the right answer though. I've tried 3.5,
35, .035, and .0035 and none of these answers are right. Any help? Thanks!
 
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  • #2
If you're looking for the probability that it tunnels, that should be |T|^2, not just T (remember, all of the physical significance of the wave function has to do with it's absolute magnitude)
 

What is tunnelling probability?

Tunnelling probability is the likelihood of an electron passing through a barrier that it does not have enough energy to overcome. It is a quantum mechanical phenomenon where the electron can behave as both a particle and a wave, allowing it to pass through the barrier as a wave.

What is the significance of 2.1eV and 3.1eV in the tunnelling probability?

2.1eV and 3.1eV refer to the energy levels of the electron and the barrier, respectively. The difference in energy levels determines the tunnelling probability, as a higher energy barrier makes it less likely for the electron to pass through.

How is the tunnelling probability of a 2.1eV electron on a 3.1eV barrier calculated?

The tunnelling probability can be calculated using the Schrödinger equation, which describes the wave-like behavior of particles in quantum mechanics. The equation takes into account the energy levels of the electron and the barrier, as well as the width and shape of the barrier.

What factors can affect the tunnelling probability of a 2.1eV electron on a 3.1eV barrier?

The tunnelling probability can be affected by the thickness and shape of the barrier, as well as the properties of the materials that make up the barrier. It can also be influenced by the temperature and electric field applied to the system.

How is the tunnelling probability of a 2.1eV electron on a 3.1eV barrier experimentally measured?

The tunnelling probability can be measured by conducting experiments such as scanning tunneling microscopy, in which the current flowing through the barrier is measured and can be related to the tunnelling probability. Other techniques such as electron spectroscopy and electron tunneling spectroscopy can also be used to measure tunnelling probability.

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