PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

PHY 4604 Problem Set #3 Solutions

Problem 1 (40 points): A free particle has a Gaussian initial wave function given by
2
Ψ ( x,0) = Ae − ax ,
where A and a are positive real constants.
(a) (2 points) Find the value of A that normalizes this wave function such that
+∞

∫ Ψ ( x,0)Ψ ( x,0)dx = 1 .
∗

−∞
1

⎛ 2a ⎞ 4

Answer: A = ⎜ ⎟
⎝π ⎠
Solution:
+∞ +∞
π
∫ Ψ ( x,0)Ψ ( x,0)dx = A ∫ e dx = A
2
∗ − 2 ax
2 2
=1
−∞ −∞
2a
(b) (8 points) Find Ψ ( x, t ) .
1/ 4 2
⎛ 2a ⎞ e − ax /(1+ 2ihat / m )
Answer: Ψ ( x, t ) = ⎜ ⎟
⎝π ⎠ (1 + 2ihat / m)
Solution:
+∞ +∞
1 A A π − k 2 /( 4 a ) 1
∫ ∫
2 2
− ikx
f (k ) = Ψ ( x,0)e dx = e − a ( x + ikx / a ) dx = e = e − k /( 4 a )
2π − ∞ 2π − ∞ 2π a (2πa) 1/ 4

and
+∞ +∞
1 1
2π −∫∞ (2πa)1 / 4 2π −∫∞
i ( kx − ω ( k ) t ) − k 2 /( 4 a ) i ( kx − hk 2 t /( 2 m ))
Ψ ( x, t ) = f ( k ) e dk = e e dk

+∞ +∞
1 1
∫e ∫e
2
− (1 /( 4 a ) + iht /( 2 m )) k − c ( k 2 − ixk / c )
= eikx dk = dx
(2πa) 1/ 4
2π −∞ (2πa) 1/ 4
2π −∞

1 π 2 1 1 − x 2 /( 4c )
= e− x /( 4 c )
= e
(2πa)1 / 4 2π c (2πa)1 / 4 2c
where c = 1 /(4a) + iht /(2m) . Thus
1 2 2
Ψ ( x, t ) = e − x /(1 / a + 2iht / m ) =
(2πa )1 / 4 (1 / a + 2iht / m)
1/ 4 2
⎛ 2a ⎞ e − ax /(1+ 2ihat / m )
=⎜ ⎟
⎝π ⎠ (1 + 2ihat / m)
(c) (8 point) Compute the probability density ρ ( x, t ) =| Ψ ( x, t ) |2 . Express you answer in terms of
the time dependent quantity
a
w≡ .
1 + (2hat / m) 2
Sketch ρ(x,t) (as a function of x) at t = 0, and again at some very large time t.

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PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

2 2 2
Answer: ρ ( x, t ) = we − 2 w x

π
Solution:
1/ 2 2 2
⎛ 2a ⎞ e − ax /(1− 2ihat / m ) e − ax /(1+ 2ihat / m )
ρ ( x, t ) = Ψ ( x, t ) Ψ ( x, t ) = ⎜ ⎟
∗

⎝π ⎠ (1 − 2ihat / m) (1 + 2ihat / m)
1/ 2 2
⎛ 2a ⎞ e − ax [1 /(1− 2 ihat / m ) +1 /(1+ 2 ihat / m )]
=⎜ ⎟
⎝π ⎠ (1 + 4h 2 a 2t 2 / m 2 )
But
1 1 2 2
+ = =
(1 − 2ihat / m) (1 + 2ihat / m) (1 − 2ihat / m)(1 + 2ihat / m) (1 + 4h a t / m 2 )
2 2 2

and hence
2 −2w2x2
ρ ( x,t) = we .
π
Gaussian Wave Packet

t=0

t >> 0

-1.0 -0.5 0.0 0.5 1.0

As time increases w decreases and the packet spreads out in space.

(d) (8 points) Find <x>, <x2>, <px> and <px2> for this wave function. Express you answers in
terms of the time dependent quantity
a
w≡ .
1 + (2hat / m) 2
1
Answer: < x >= 0 , < x 2 >= , < px >= 0 , < p x2 >= h 2 a
4 w2
Solution:
+∞ +∞
2
< x >= ∫ xρ ( x, t )dx = ∫
2 2
xwe − 2 w x dx = 0
−∞
a −∞
+∞ +∞ +∞
2 2
∫ x ρ ( x, t )dx = ∫ x we dx = 2w ∫ x we
2 2
−2w x − 2 w2 x 2
< x 2 >= 2 2 2
dx
−∞
π −∞
π 0

2⎛ 1 ⎞ π 1
= 2w ⎜ 2⎟ =
π ⎝ 2w ⎠ 2w 2
4 w2
d<x>
< px >= m =0
dt

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PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

+∞ +∞
⎛ 2 d 2 Ψ ( x, t ) ⎞
< p >= ∫ Ψ ( x, t )( p ) Ψ ( x, t )dx =
2 ∗ 2
∫ Ψ ∗
( x , t )⎜⎜ − h ⎟dx
dx 2 ⎟⎠
x x op
−∞ −∞ ⎝

( )
1/ 2 +∞ 2
⎛ 2a ⎞ 1 − ax 2 /(1− 2 ihat / m ) d

(1 − 2ihat / m) (1 + 2ihat / m) −∫∞

− ax 2 /(1+ 2 ihat / m )
= −h ⎜ ⎟ 2
e e dx
⎝π ⎠ dx 2
a
Now if we let b = then
(1 + 2ihat / m)
d − bx 2 2 d2 2 2 2
e = −2bxe− bx and 2 e − bx = −2be − bx + 4b 2 x 2e − bx
dx dx
and we get
1/ 2 +∞
⎛ 2a ⎞
< p >= −h ⎜ ⎟
2 2 1
∫e
−b∗ x 2
(− 2b + 4b x )e
2 2 − bx 2
dx
⎝π ⎠
x
1 + 4h 2 a 2 t 2 / m 2 −∞

⎛ 2a ⎞
1/ 2
1 ⎛ +∞ +∞
⎞
⎜ − 2b ∫ e − 2 Re(b ) x dx + 4b 2 ∫ x 2e − 2 Re(b ) x dx ⎟
2 2
= −h ⎜ ⎟2
2 ⎜ ⎟
⎝π ⎠ 1 + 4h a t / m ⎝
2 2 2
−∞ −∞ ⎠
⎛ 2a ⎞
1/ 2
1 ⎛ π 1 π ⎞⎟
= −h ⎜ ⎟2
⎜ − 2b + 4b 2
⎝π ⎠ ⎜
1 + 4h a t / m ⎝
2 2 2 2 Re(b)
2 4 Re(b) 2 Re(b) ⎟⎠
1/ 2
⎛ 2a ⎞ 1 π ⎛ 1 ⎞
= −h ⎜ ⎟ 2
⎜⎜ − 2b + 4b 2 ⎟
⎝π ⎠ 1 + 4h 2 a 2t 2 / m 2 2 Re(b) ⎝ 4 Re(b) ⎟⎠
This better turn out to be real! Notice that
1 b b ∗ | b |2
− 2b + 4b 2
= (b − 2 Re(b)) = (b − b + b ) =
4 Re(b) Re(b) Re(b) Re(b)
and
a2 a2
| b |2 = =
(1 − 2ihat / m)(1 + 2ihat / m) (1 + 4h 2 a 2t 2 / m 2 )
1 1
a a a
Re(b) = 12 (b − b∗ ) = 2
− 2
=
(1 + 2ihat / m) (1 − 2ihat / m) (1 + 4h a t / m 2 ) 2 2 2

Hence,
| b |2
=a
Re(b)
and
1/ 2
⎛ 2a ⎞ 1 π ⎛ | b |2 ⎞
< px2 >= −h 2 ⎜ ⎟ ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝π ⎠ 1 + 4h 2 a 2t 2 / m 2 2 Re(b) ⎝ Re(b) ⎠
1/ 2
⎛ 2a ⎞ a π (1 + 4h 2 a 2t 2 / m 2 )
=h ⎜ ⎟ 2
= h 2a
π
⎝ ⎠ 1 + 4h a t / m
2 2 2 2 2 a
(e) (6 points) Compute Δx = σx and Δpx = σ p x . Is the product ΔxΔpx consistent with the
uncertainty principle? At what time t does the system come closest to the uncertainty limit and
how close does it get?

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PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

1 a h
Answer: Δx = , Δp x = h a , ΔxΔpx = h , smallest at t = 0 with (ΔxΔp x )t =0 = .
2w 2w 2
Solution: We see from (d) that
1
Δx = < x 2 > − < x > 2 =
2w
Δpx = < px2 > − < px > 2 = h a
a a
ΔxΔpx = h where w ≡
2w 1 + (2hat / m) 2
h
which is smallest at t = 0 with (ΔxΔp x )t =0 = .
2
(f) (8 points) At t = 0 what is the momentum-space wave function, φ(px), corresponding to the
wave function Ψ(x,0). Compute <px> and <px2> at t = 0 using the momentum-space wave
function and compare your result with what you got in (d) using the position-space wave
function.
Answer: < px >= 0 , < p x2 >= h 2 a , same as in part (d).
Solution: The momentum-space wave functions at t = 0 are related to the function f(k) from (a)
as follows:
+∞
1 1
φ ( px ) = ∫
2πh − ∞
Ψ ( x,0)e − ip x x / D dx =
h
f ( px / h)

An hence
1 2 2
φ ( px ) = e − p x /( 4 h a)

( 2π h a )
2 1/ 4

Thus,
+∞ +∞
< px >= ∫ φ ∗ ( px )( px )op φ ( px )dpx = ∫ φ ∗ ( px ) pxφ ( px )dpx
−∞ −∞
+∞
1
1/ 2 ∫ x
2 2
= p e − p x /( 2h a ) dpx = 0
(2πh a) − ∞
2

+∞ +∞
< px2 >= ∫ φ ∗ ( px )( px2 )op φ ( px )dpx = ∫ φ ∗ ( px ) px2φ ( px )dpx
−∞ −∞
+∞
1 1 ⎛ 2h 2 a ⎞
1/ 2 ∫ x
2 − p x2 /( 2 h 2 a )
= pe dpx = ⎜
1/ 2 ⎜
⎟⎟ π 2h 2 a = h 2 a
(2πh a) − ∞
2
(2πh a) ⎝ 2 ⎠
2

which are the same as in (d) but much easier to compute!

Problem 2 (30 points): Consider the double delta-function potential given by

V ( x) = −α [δ ( x + a ) + δ ( x − a )] ,
where α and a are positive real constants.
(a) (5 points) Sketch this potential. Is parity a good quantum number in this problem?
Answer: V(-x) = V(x) and hence parity is a good quantum number.

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PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

-αδ(x+a) -αδ(x-a)

Solution: In this problem V(-x) = V(x) and hence parity is a good quantum number. This
means that the solutions are eigenfunctions of the parity operator with eigenvalue ±1;
Pψ(x) = ψ(-x) = ±ψ(x). The solution are either even or odd under x → -x..
(b) (5 points) How many bound state are they?
Answer: There is one bound state (parity +1) if α ≤ h 2 /(2ma ) and two bound states (one parity
+1 and one parity -1) if α > h 2 /(2ma) .
Solution: We look for solutions of the time-independent Schrödinger equation
h 2 d 2ψ ( x ) d 2ψ ( x ) 2m
− 2
+ V ( x )ψ ( x ) = Eψ ( x ) or 2
= − 2 ( E − V ( x ))ψ ( x )
2m dx dx h
with Ψ ( x, t ) = ψ ( x)e −iEt / h . In the region x < -a (region 1) for E < 0 and V(x) = 0 we have
d 2ψ ( x ) 2mE − 2mE h 2κ 2
2
= − 2 ψ ( x ) = κ 2ψ ( x ) with κ = and E = −
dx h h2 2m
The most general solution is
ψ 1 ( x ) = Ae +κx + Be −κx ,
− κx
but e ⎯⎯ ⎯→ ∞ and hence B = 0. In the region -a < x < a (region 2) we have
x → −∞

ψ 2 ( x ) = Ce + κx + De −κx ,
and in the region x > a (region 3) we have
ψ 3 ( x ) = Fe + κx + Ge −κx ,
+ κx
but e ⎯⎯ ⎯→ ∞ and hence F = 0. The boundary conditions at x = -a are
x → +∞

ψ 1 ( − a ) = ψ 2 ( − a ) which implies that Ae −κa = Ce −κa + De + κa .

Also,
dψ 2 ( x ) dψ 1 ( x ) 2 mα
− =− ψ 1 (− a)
dx x = −a +ε dx x = − a −ε h2
which implies
2 mα
κCe −κa − κDe +κa − κAe −κa = − 2
Ae −κa .
h
The boundary conditions at x = +a are
ψ 2 ( a ) = ψ 3 ( a ) which implies that Ce + κa + De −κa = Ge −κa .

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PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

Also,
dψ 3 ( x ) dψ 2 ( x ) 2 mα
− = − 2 ψ 3 (a)
dx x=a+ε dx x=a −ε h
which implies
2 mα
− κGe −κa − κCe + κa + κDe −κa = − 2
Ge −κa .
h
Thus,
− κa + κa
(1) Ce + De = Ae −κa
− κa + κa ⎛ 2 mα ⎞
(2) Ce − De = ⎜− + 1⎟ Ae −κa
⎝ hκ
2
⎠
+ κa − κa − κa
(3) Ce + De = Ge
+ κa − κa ⎛ 2 mα ⎞
(4) Ce − De = −⎜ − 2 + 1⎟Ge −κa
⎝ hκ ⎠
Adding (1)+(2) gives
⎛ mα ⎞
C = ⎜ − 2 + 1⎟ A ,
⎝ hκ ⎠
and subtracting (1)-(2) gives
⎛ mα ⎞
D = ⎜ 2 ⎟ Ae − 2κa .
⎝h κ ⎠
Even Parity Solutions: The even parity solutions have C = D and A = G. Thus,
⎛ mα ⎞ ⎛ mα ⎞ h 2κ
C = D = ⎜ − 2 + 1⎟ A = ⎜ 2 ⎟ Ae − 2κa which implies that e − 2κa = − 1 . This is a
⎝ h κ ⎠ ⎝h κ ⎠ mα
transcendental equation for κ which we can solve graphically. Let y = 2κa and we have
e − y = cy − 1 ,
where c = h 2 /(2maα ) . Now let f(y) = e-y and g(y) = cy -1 and plot the two functions.
1

f(y)

0
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
y

g(y)
Even Parity
-1

We see from the graph that for c > 0 there is always one and only one solution.
Note that
h 2κ mα 1
= 1 + e − 2κa and hence 2 =
mα h κ 1 + e − 2κa
and the parity even wave functions are

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PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

ψ 1+ ( x ) = Ae + κx ,
⎛ mα ⎞ − 2κa +κx
ψ 2+ ( x ) = C (e +κx + e −κx ) = ⎜ 2 ⎟
Ae (e + e −κx )
⎝h κ ⎠
,
e − 2κa − κa e
+ κx
+ e −κx
=A − 2κa
(e + κx −κx
+ e ) = Ae
1+ e e + κa + e −κa
ψ 3+ ( x ) = Ae −κx

Odd Parity Solutions: The odd parity solutions have C = -D and A = -G. Thus,
⎛ mα ⎞ ⎛ mα ⎞ h 2κ
C = − D = ⎜ − 2 + 1⎟ A = −⎜ 2 ⎟ Ae − 2κa , which implies that e − 2κa = 1 − .
⎝ h κ ⎠ ⎝h κ ⎠ mα
This time setting y = 2κa gives, where c = h 2 /(2maα ) . Let f(y) = e-y and g(y) = 1 - cy and plot
the two functions.
1

g(y) Odd Parity

f(y)

0
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0

-1

In this case there is not always a solution. Note that y = 0 is not an allowed solution since if k =
0 ψ(x) is not normalizible. The slope of f(y) = e-y at y = 0 is -1 and the slope of g(y) = 1-cy is -
c. This implies that there is a parity odd solution provided -c > -1 or c < 1. Note that in odd
parity case
h 2κ mα 1
= 1 − e − 2κa and hence 2 =
mα h κ 1 − e − 2κa
and the parity odd wave functions are
ψ 1− ( x ) = −Ge + κx ,
⎛ mα ⎞ − 2κa +κx
ψ 2− ( x ) = C (e +κx − e −κx ) = −⎜ ⎟ Ae (e − e −κx )
⎝h κ ⎠
2

,
e − 2κa −κa e
+κx
− e −κx
= −A − 2κa
(e +κx −κx
− e ) = Ge
1− e e +κa − e −κa
ψ 3− ( x ) = Ge −κx

(c) (10 points) Find the allowed bound state energies if α = h 2 /(ma) and sketch the wave
functions. Are the wave functions eigenstates of the parity operator? Is so what are their
eigenvalues?

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PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

Answer: There are two solutions a parity +1 solution (ground state) with E 0 = −0.615h 2 /( ma 2 )
and a parity -1 solution (1st excited state) with E1 = −0.317h 2 /(ma 2 ) .
Solution: If α = h 2 /(ma) then c = 0.5 and the even parity energy is arrived at from
e − y = 12 y − 1 . Using my calculator I get y = 2.218 and
h2 y2 h2
= −0.615 . E0 = −
8ma 2 ma 2
−y
The odd parity energy is arrived at from e = 1− 12 y . Using my calculator I get y = 1.594 and
h2 y2 h2
E1 = − = −0.317 .
8ma 2 ma 2

Even Parity Odd Parity

-2.0 -1.0 0.0 1.0 2.0

-2.0 -1.0 0.0 1.0 2.0

x/a x/a

(c) (10 points) Find the allowed bound state energies if α = h /(4ma) and sketch the wave 2

functions. Are the wave functions eigenstates of the parity operator? Is so what are their
eigenvalues?
Answer: There one solution (parity +1) solution with E 0 = −0.068h 2 /( ma 2 ) .
Solution: If α = h 2 /(ma) then c = 2 and the even parity energy is arrived at from
e− y = 2 y −1.
1

Even Parity
f(y)

0
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
y

g(y)
Even Parity
-2.0 -1.0 0.0 1.0 2.0
-1
x/a

Using my calculator I get y = 0.739 and

h2 y2 h2
= −0.068 . E0 = −
8ma 2 ma 2
Note that κ = y/(2a) and hence small y corresponds to small κ which results in a broader wave
function.

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PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

Problem 3 (30 points): Consider an infinite square well with a delta-function barrier at the
center given by
⎧αδ ( x) − a < x < a
V ( x) = ⎨
⎩ +∞ | x |≥ a
where α is a positive real constant.
(a) (2 points) Is parity a good quantum number in this problem?
Answer: V(-x) = V(x) and hence parity is a good quantum number
Solution: In this problem V(-x) = V(x) and hence parity is a good quantum number. This
means that the solutions are eigenfunctions of the parity operator with eigenvalue ±1;
Pψ(x) = ψ(-x) = ±ψ(x). The solution are either even or odd under x → -x..
(b) (10 points) Solve the time-independent Schrödinger equations treating the even and odd
parity solutions separately. Don’t bother to normalize the wave functions.
Solution: We look for solutions of the time-independent Schrödinger equation
h 2 d 2ψ ( x ) d 2ψ ( x ) 2m
− 2
+ V ( x )ψ ( x ) = E ψ ( x ) or 2
= − 2 ( E − V ( x ))ψ ( x )
2m dx dx h
with Ψ ( x, t ) = ψ ( x)e − iEt / h
. In the region –a < x < 0 (region 1) for E > 0 and V(x) = 0 we have
d 2ψ ( x ) 2mE 2mE h 2k 2
= − 2 ψ ( x ) = − k 2ψ ( x ) with k = and E =
dx 2
h h2 2m
The most general solution is
ψ 1 ( x ) = Ae + ikx + Be − ikx .
Similarly in the region 0 < x < +a (region 2) for E > 0 and V(x) = 0 we have
ψ 2 ( x ) = Ce + ikx + De − ikx .
The boundary condition at x = -a is ψ 1 ( −a ) = 0 which implies that Ae
− ika
+ Be + ika = 0 and
B = − Ae −2 ika . The boundary condition at x = +a is ψ 2 ( +a ) = 0 which implies that
Ce + ika + De − ika = 0 and D = Ce +2 ika . At x = 0 ψ 1 (0) = ψ 2 (0) which implies that A + B = C
+ D.
Also,
dψ 2 ( x ) dψ 1 ( x ) 2 mα
− = 2 ψ 1 ( 0)
dx x = − +ε dx x =−ε h
which implies
2 mα
ikC − ikD − ikA + ikB = ( A + B) .
h2
Parity Even Solutions: First look for even parity solutions where ψ (− x) = ψ ( x) and hence
ψ 2 (− x) = ψ 1 ( x) which implies that B = C and A = D so that
ψ 1 ( x ) = Ae + ikx + Be − ikx = A(e + ikx − e −2ika e − ikx ) and
ψ 2 ( x ) = Be + ikx + Ae − ikx = A(e − ikx − e −2ika e + ikx )
Also,

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PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

2 mα
ikB − ikA − ikA + ikB = −2ik ( A − B ) = ( A + B)
h2
Hence
2 mα
− 2ikA(1 + e − 2 ika ) = 2
A(1 − e − 2 ika )
h
which implies
mα + ika mα
− ik (e + ika + e − ika ) = 2
(e − e − ika ) or k cos( ka ) = − 2 sin( ka )
h h
Thus,
h 2k
tan( ka ) = − .
mα
We cannot solve this analytically. We must solve it graphically. Let y = ka and plot
h2
f ( y ) = tan( y ) and g ( y ) = − y.
ma α
π/2 π 3π/2 2π

2πy
0.00 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00

f(y)

g(y)

If we plot f(y) and g(y) versus y then the allowed values of y occur then f(y) = g(y) which occurs
somewhere within (n+ − 12 )π < yn+ < n+π with n+ = 1, 2, 3, … Thus,
π π h 2π 2 2 h π
2 2
(n+ − 12 ) < kn+ < n+ and (n+ − 12 ) 2
< E < n+ , where n+ = 1, 2, 3, …
2ma 2 2ma 2
n+
a a
Note that y = 0 is not an allowed solution because it corresponds to k = 0 which give ψ1 = ψ2 =
0. The even parity energy levels for an infinite square well of width 2a (without the delta
function) is
h 2π 2
En+ = (n+ − 12 ) 2
, where n+ = 1, 2, 3, …
2ma 2
The even parity energy levels are shifted up due to the presence of the delta function.

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PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

Parity Odd Solutions: Now look for odd parity solutions where ψ (− x) = −ψ ( x) and hence
ψ 2 (− x) = −ψ 1 ( x) which implies that B = -C and A = -D so that
ψ 1 ( x ) = Ae + ikx + Be − ikx = A(e + ikx − e −2 ika e − ikx ) and
ψ 2 ( x ) = − Be + ikx − Ae − ikx = − A(e − ikx − e −2 ika e + ikx )
Also,
2 mα 2 mα
− ikB + ikA − ikA + ikB = 0 = 2
( A + B ) = 2 A(1 − e − 2 ika ) .
h h
Thus,
e −2 ika = 1 or sin(ka) = 0
which implies that
n−π h 2π 2 2
kn− = and En− = n− , where n- = 1, 2, 3, …
a 2ma 2
Also,
ψ 1 ( x ) = A(e + ikx − e − ikx ) = 2iA sin( kx )
ψ 2 ( x ) = − A(e − ikx − e + ikx ) = 2iA sin( kx )
The odd parity energy levels for an infinite square well of width 2a (without the delta function)
are
h 2π 2
En− = n−2 , where n- = 1, 2, 3, …
2ma 2
The odd energy levels are not affected by the delta function at x = 0. The odd parity wave
functions vanish at x = 0 and therefore they do not “feel” the delta function.
(c) (10 points) Find the energy levels for the parity even wave functions and compare to the
corresponding energies in the absence of the delta function?
h 2π 2 2 h π
2 2
Answer: (n+ − 12 ) 2 < E < n+ , where n+ = 1, 2, 3, … The even parity energy levels
2ma 2 2ma 2
n+

are shifted up due to the presence of the delta function.

(d) (8 points) Find the energy levels for the parity odd wave functions and compare to the
corresponding energies in the absence of the delta function?
2 h π
2 2
Answer: En− = n− , where n- = 1, 2, 3, … The odd energy levels are not affected by the
2ma 2
delta function.

Problem 4 (30 points): Consider the finite square well potential given by
⎧− V − a < x < a
V ( x) = ⎨ 0
⎩ 0 | x |> a
where V0 is a positive constant. Suppose that particles with energy E > 0 enter from the left and
travel to the right and are scattered by this potential. Classically the particles would speed up at
x = -a and then slow down (back to their original speed) at x = +a and then continue traveling to
the right. Classically all particles entering from the left would exit to the right.

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PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

(a) (10 points) Calculate the quantum mechanical reflection probability, PR.
V02 sin 2 ( L 2m( E − V0 ) / h 2 )
Answer: PR = , where L = 2a.
4 E ( E − V0 ) + V02 sin 2 ( L 2m( E − V0 ) / h 2 )
Solution: We look for solutions of the time-independent Schrödinger equation
h 2 d 2ψ ( x ) d 2ψ ( x ) 2m
− + V ( x )ψ ( x ) = E ψ ( x ) or = − ( E − V ( x ))ψ ( x )
2m dx 2 dx 2 h2
with Ψ ( x, t ) = ψ ( x)e −iEt / h . In the region x < -a (region 1) V(x) = 0 and hence
d 2ψ ( x ) 2mE 2mE h 2k 2
= − 2 ψ ( x ) = − k 2ψ ( x ) with k = and E =
dx 2
h h2 2m
The most general solution is
ψ 1 ( x ) = Ae + ikx + Be − ikx .
In the region –a < x < +a (region 2) V(x) = -V0 and hence
d 2ψ ( x ) 2m 2m( E + V0 )
2
= − 2 ( E + V0 )ψ ( x ) = − q 2ψ ( x ) with q = .
dx h h2
The most general solution is
ψ 2 ( x ) = Ce + iqx + De − iqx .
In the region x > a (region 3) V(x) = 0 and hence
d 2ψ ( x ) 2mE 2mE h 2k 2
= − ψ ( x ) = − k 2
ψ ( x ) with k = and E =
dx 2 h2 h2 2m
The most general solution is
ψ 3 ( x ) = Fe + ikx + Ge − ikx ,
but in this region G = 0 since there are no particles entering from the right traveling to the left in
region 3. There are four boundary conditions. At x = -a we have
ψ 1 (−a) = ψ 2 (−a) which implies Ae
− ika
+ Be + ika = Ce − iqa + De + iqa
dψ 1 dψ 2 − ika
= which implies ikAe − ikBe + ika = iqCe − iqa − iqDe + iqa
dx x = − a dx x = − a
and at x = +a we have
ψ 2 ( a ) = ψ 3 ( a ) which implies Ce + iqa + De − iqa = Fe + ika
dψ 2 dψ 3 + iqa
= which implies iqCe − iqDe − iqa = ikFe + ika
dx x = a dx x = a
We now must solve for B, C, D, and F in terms of A. We have four equations and four
unknowns:
e+ ika B − e− iqaC − e+ iqa D + 0 F = − Ae− ika
− ike + ika B − iqe − iqaC + iqe + iqa D + 0 F = −ikAe− ika
0 B + e+ iqaC + e− iqa D − e+ ika F = 0
0 B + iqe + iqaC − iqe − iqa D − ike + ika F = 0
I will use determinates to solve these simultaneous linear equations as follows:

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PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

e + ika − e − iqa − e + iqa 0 +1 −1 −1 0

− ike + ika
− iqe − iqa
+ iqe + iqa
0 − ik − iq + iq 0
Det = = e + ika e − iqa e + iqa e − ika + iqL − iqL
0 e + iqa e − iqa − e + ika 0 e e − e + ikL
0 iqe + iqa − iqe − iqa − ike + ika 0 iqe + iqL − iqe − iqL − ike + ikL

where I factored column e+ika from the first column, e-iqa from the second column, e+iqa from the
third column, and e-ika from the forth column, and where L = 2a is the width of the barrier.
+1 −1 −1 0
− ik − iq + iq 0
Det = + iqL − iqL
0 e e − e + ikL
0 iqe + iqL − iqe − iqL − ike + ikL
−1 +1 0 −1 −1 0
+ ikL + iqL − iqL + ikL + iqL − iqL
= iqe e e − 1 + ike e e −1
+ iqL − iqL + iqL − iqL
iqe − iqe − ik iqe − iqe − ik
( ) (
= iqe + ikL e − iqL (ik + iq ) + e + iqL (ik − iq ) + ike + ikL e − iqL (ik + iq ) − e + iqL (ik − iq ) )
= e + ikL (e (ik + iq) − e (ik − iq) ) = e (− (−q − k )(e
− iqL 2 + iqL 2 + ikL 2 2 + iqL
− e − iqL ) − 2kq(e + iqL + e − iqL ) )
= 2e + ikL (− i(−q − k ) sin(qL) − 2kq cos(qL)) = 2e (i(q + k
2 2 + ikL 2 2
) sin( qL) − 2kq cos(qL) )
± iθ
where I used e = cos θ ± i sin θ . Also,
− Ae − ika − e −iqa − e + iqa 0 −A −1 −1 0
+ika −iqa +iqa −ika − ikA − iq + iq
−ika −iqa +iqa
− ikAe − iqe + iqe 0 0
BDet = = e e e e
0 e +iqa e −iqa − e +ika 0 e +iqL e −iqL − e +ikL
0 iqe +iqa − iqe −iqa − ike +ika 0 iqe +iqL − iqe −iqL − ike +ikL

−A −1 −1 0
− ikA − iq + iq 0
BDet = + iqL − iqL
0 e e − e + ikL
0 iqe + iqL − iqe − iqL − ike + ikL
− iq + iq 0 −1 −1 0
+ iqL − iqL + ikL + iqL − iqL
= −A e e −e + ikA e e − e + ikL
iqe + iqL − iqe − iqL − ike + ikL iqe + iqL − iqe − iqL − ike + ikL
(
= − Ae + ikL − iq (−ike − iqL − iqe − iqL ) − iq (−ike + iqL + iqe + iqL ) + ik (−ike − iqL − iqe − iqL ) − ik (−ike + iqL + iqe + iqL ) )
= − Ae + ikL (i(k − q)(−ike − iqL
− iqe − iqL ) − i (k + q)(−ike + iqL + iqe + iqL ) )
= − Ae + ikL ((k − q)(k + q)e − iqL
)
− (k + q)(k − q)e + iqL = 2iAe + ikL (k 2 − q 2 ) sin(qL)

Thus,

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PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

BDet iA(k 2 − q 2 ) sin(qL)

B= =
Det (
i (q 2 + k 2 ) sin(qL) − 2kq cos(qL) )
The reflection probability is given by
hk
| B |2 (k 2 − q 2 ) 2 sin 2 (qL)
PR = =
( )
m
hk
m
| A |2 (q 2 + k 2 ) 2 sin 2 (qL) + 4k 2 q 2 cos 2 (qL)
(k 2 − q 2 ) 2 sin 2 (qL)
=
(
4k 2 q 2 + [(q 2 + k 2 ) 2 − 4k 2 q 2 ] sin 2 (qL) )
(k 2 − q 2 ) 2 sin 2 (qL)
= 2 2
4k q + (q 2 − k 2 ) 2 sin 2 (qL)
V02 sin 2 ( L 2m( E − V0 ) / h 2 )
=
4 E ( E − V0 ) + V02 sin 2 ( L 2m( E − V0 ) / h 2 )
(b) (10 points) Calculate the quantum mechanical transmission probability, PT, and show that
PR + PT = 1.
4 E ( E − V0 )
Answer: PT = , where L = 2a.
4 E ( E − V0 ) + V02 sin 2 ( L 2m( E − V0 ) / h 2 )
Solution: We see that

e + ika − e − iqa − e + iqa − Ae −ika +1 −1 −1 −A

− ike + ika
− iqe − iqa
+ iqe + iqa
− ikAe − ika
− ik − iq + iq − ikA
FDet = =
0 e + iqa e − iqa 0 0 e + iqL e − iqL 0
0 iqe + iqa − iqe − iqa 0 0 iqe + iqL − iqe − iqL 0
− iq + iq − ik −1 −1 −1
+ iqL − iqL + iqL − iqL
=A e e 0 + ikA e e 0
iqe + iqL − iqe − iqL 0 iqe + iqL − iqe − iqL 0
= −2ikqA − 2kqA = −4kqA
Thus,
FDet − 2kqAe − ikL
F= =
Det (
i (q 2 + k 2 ) sin(qL) − 2kq cos(qL) )
The reflection probability is given by

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PHY4604 Fall 2007 Problem Set 3 Solutions

hk
| F |2 4k 2 q 2
PT = =
( )
m
hk
m
| A |2 (q 2 + k 2 ) 2 sin 2 (qL) + 4k 2 q 2 cos 2 (qL)
4k 2 q 2
=
(
4k 2 q 2 + [(q 2 + k 2 ) 2 − 4k 2 q 2 ] sin 2 (qL) )
4k 2 q 2
=
4k 2 q 2 + (q 2 − k 2 ) 2 sin 2 (qL)
4 E ( E − V0 )
=
4 E ( E − V0 ) + V02 sin 2 ( L 2m( E − V0 ) / h 2 )
and
V02 sin 2 ( L 2m( E − V0 ) / h 2 ) 4 E ( E − V0 )
PR + PT = + =1
4 E ( E − V0 ) + V sin ( L 2m( E − V0 ) / h )
0
2 2 2
4 E ( E − V0 ) + V02 sin 2 ( L 2m( E − V0 ) / h 2 )
(c) (10 points) Calculate 1/PT. For what values of the energy does the well become
“transparent” (i.e. PT = 1). Compare these energies with the allowed bound state energies of an
infinite square well of size 2a. Sketch PT as a function of the energy E.
h 2 n 2π 2
Answer: En = + V0 , for n = 1,2, 3, …
2mL2
Solution: We see that
1
PT
=1+
(k 2 − q 2 ) 2
4k q2 2
sin 2
( qL ) = 1 +
V02
4 E ( E − V0 )
(
sin 2 L 2m( E − V0 ) / h 2 . )
The well becomes “transparent” (i.e. PT = 1) when
( )
sin 2 L 2m( E − V0 ) / h 2 = 0 , which occurs when
L 2m( E − V0 ) / h 2 = nπ for n =1 ,2, …
Thus, the energies En that correspond to the well being “transparent” are given by
h 2 n 2π 2
En = + V0 ,
2mL2
which are the energy levels for the infinite square well,
⎧+ V − a < x < a
V ( x) = ⎨ 0 .
⎩+ ∞ | x |> a
mL2V02 Plot of PT(y) versus y for C = 10
If we let y = L 2m( E − V0 ) / h 2 and C = then
2h 2 E 1.2
Transmission Probability P T

1 1
= 1 + sin 2 ( y ) and PT ( y ) =
C 1.0
.
PT ( y ) 1 + 2 sin 2 ( y )
y2 C 0.8

y 0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0
0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
y

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