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BasicsofQM PDF
BasicsofQM PDF
Topic 4
Introduction to Quantum Theory
•Wave functions
•Normalisation
h
p mv
Kinetic Energy of particle
2 2 2 2
p h k
KE
2m 2m 2
2m
V=0 V=0
Electron “rattles” to and fro Standing wave formed
Wavelengths of confined states
2L 3
;k
3 L
2
L;k
L
2L ; k
L
Energies of confined states
k2
n
2 2 2 2
E 2
2m 2mL
En n 2 E1
2 2
E1 2
2mL
Energies of confined states
En n E1
2 2 2
E1 2
2mL
Particle in a box: wave functions
( x) A sin kx
A is a constant, to be determined……………
Interpretation of the wave function
( x) dx
2
( x) dx 1
2
Interpretation of the wave function
Interpretation of the wave function
Normalisation condition allows unknown constants in the
wave function to be determined. For our particle in a box
we have WF:
nx
( x) A sin kx A sin
L
Since, in this case the particle is confined by INFINITE
potential barriers, we know particle must be located
between x=0 and x=L →Normalisation condition reduces
to :
L
( x) dx 1
2
0
Particle in a box: normalisation of wave functions
nx
L L
( x) dx 1 A sin dx 1
2 2 2
0 0 L
2 nx
( x) sin
L L
Some points to note…………..
d ( x)
2 2
2
V ( x ) ( x ) E ( x )
2m dx
KE Term
PE Term
Solving the Schrodinger equation allows us to calculate
particle wave functions for a wide range of situations (See
Y2 QM course)…….
V ( x) 0 0xL
2 d 2 ( x) d 2 ( x) 2mE ( x)
2
E ( x) 2
2
0
2m dx dx
General Solution:
1/ 2 1/ 2
2mE 2mE
( x) A sin 2 x B cos 2 x
1/ 2 1/ 2
2mE 2mE
( x) A sin 2 x B cos 2 x
Boundary condition: ψ(x) = 0 when x=0:→B=0
1/ 2
2mE
( x) A sin 2 x
Boundary condition: ψ(x) = 0 when x=L:
2mE
1/ 2
n
2 2 2
(0) A sin 2 L 0 E 2
2mL
nx
( x) A sin
L
In agreement with the “fitting waves in boxes” treatment earlier………………..
Molecular Beam Epitaxy: Man-made potential wells for
Quantum mechanical engineering
Molecular Beam Epitaxy: Man-made potential wells for
Quantum mechanical engineering
Quantum Cascade Laser: Engineering with electron wavefunctions
Scanning Tunnelling Microscope: Imaging atoms