Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

American Journal of Physics

Scattering of a Gaussian wave packet by a reflectionless potential

Natalia Kiriushcheva, S. Kuzmin

Published Oct 1, 1998• 37 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The specific features of scattering of the Gaussian wave packet by the simplest of all reflectionless potentials, the Sech-squared well, are considered. The results of numerical computation show that a wave packet that has passed through this potential overtakes a free wave packet and is both higher and narrower than a free wave packet; in other words, the scattered wave packet accelerates inside the well and preserves its shape better. Comparisons with scattering by the square well and by a series of reflectionless potentials are also presented. Possible applications of the Sech-squared as well as other reflectionless potentials are discussed.

DOI
10.1119/1.18985

Related papers

Scattering of accelerated wave packets

Stefano Longhi, S. A. R. Horsley, Giuseppe Della Valle

Wave-packet scattering from a stationary potential is significantly modified when the wave packet is subject to an external time-dependent force during the interaction. In the semiclassical limit, wave-packet motion is simply described by Newtonian equations, and the external force can, for example, cancel the potential force, making a potential barrier transparent. Here we consider wave-packet scattering from reflectionless potentials, where in general the potential becomes reflective when probed by an accelerated wave packet. In the particular case of the recently introduced class of complex Kramers-Kronig potentials we show that a broad class of time-dependent forces can be applied without inducing any scattering, while there is a breakdown of the reflectionless property when there is a broadband distribution of initial particle momentum, involving both positive and negative components.

arXiv:1803.04634•Physical Review A•Mar 22, 2018•8 citations

Reflectionless eigenstates of the sech2 potential

John Lekner

The one-dimensional potential well V(x)=−(ℏ2ν(ν+1)∕2ma2)sech2(x∕a) does not reflect waves of any energy when ν is a positive integer. We show that in this reflectionless case the solutions of Schrödinger’s equation can be expressed in terms of elementary functions. Wave packets can be constructed from these energy eigenstates, and the propagation of such wave packets through the potential region can be studied analytically. We find that the group velocity of a particular packet can substantially exceed the group velocity of a free-space Gaussian packet. The bound states of the potential can also be expressed in terms of elementary functions when ν is an integer. The special properties of the integer ν potentials are associated with critical binding.

American Journal of Physics•Nov 20, 2007•134 citations

Scattering by a reflectionless modified Pöschl–Teller potential: Bohmian trajectories and arrival times

S. V. Mousavi

A nonreflecting wavepacket is constructed by the superposition of reflectionless eigenstates of sech2 potential. Free propagation and propagation in the presence of the above potential of such a wavepacket is considered using the concept of arrival time. Comparison is made with the free evolving Gaussian wavepacket. Mean arrival time at a detector behind the well is given as a function of mass for separate cases. A selection of Bohmian trajectories in the interacting case are computed and compared to the trajectories of a free particle guided by a Gaussian packet.

arXiv:1507.03341•Physica Scripta•Sep 1, 2015•2 citations

Resonances and analyticity of scattering wave function for square-well-type potentials

T. A. Weber, C. L. Hammer, Vaughn Stephen Zidell

In this paper we extend our previous analysis of the scattering of wave packets in one dimension to the case of the square-well potential. The analytic properties of the general scattering solution are emphasized thereby making the analysis useful as introductory material for a more sophisticated S-matrix treatment. The square-well model is particularly interesting because of its application to the deuteron problem. Resonance scattering, barrier penetration, time delay, and line shape are discussed at the level of the first-year graduate student.

American Journal of Physics•Sep 1, 1982•19 citations

Wave packet tunneling

H. M. Krenzlin, J. Budczies, K. W. Kehr

The tunneling of Gaussian wave packets has been investigated by numerically solving the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation. The shape of wave packets interacting with a square barrier has been monitored for various values of the barrier width, height and initial width of the wave packet. Compared to the case of free propagation, the maximum of a tunneled wave packet exhibits a shift, which can be interpreted as an enhanced velocity during tunneling.

•Jan 1, 1998•5 citations

Wave packet tunneling

H.M. Krenzlin, J. Budczies, K.W. Kehr

The tunneling of Gaussian wave packets has been investigated by numerically solving the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation. The shape of wave packets interacting with a square barrier has been monitored for various values of the barrier width, height and initial width of the wave packet. Compared to the case of free propagation, the maximum of a tunneled wavepacket exhibits a shift, which can be interpreted as an enhanced velocity during tunneling.

arXiv:quant-ph/9809041•Annalen der Physik•Dec 1, 1998•5 citations
The specific features of scattering of the Gaussian wave packet by the simplest of all reflectionless potentials, the Sech-squared well, are considered. The results of numerical computation show that a wave packet that has passed through this potential overtakes a free wave packet and is both higher and narrower than a free wave packet; in other words, the scattered wave packet accelerates inside the well and preserves its shape better. Comparisons with scattering by the square well and by a series of reflectionless potentials are also presented. Possible applications of the Sech-squared as well as other reflectionless potentials are discussed.
Wave-packet scattering from a stationary potential is significantly modified when the wave packet is subject to an external time-dependent force during the interaction. In the semiclassical limit, wave-packet motion is simply described by Newtonian equations, and the external force can, for example, cancel the potential force, making a potential barrier transparent. Here we consider wave-packet scattering from reflectionless potentials, where in general the potential becomes reflective when probed by an accelerated wave packet. In the particular case of the recently introduced class of complex Kramers-Kronig potentials we show that a broad class of time-dependent forces can be applied without inducing any scattering, while there is a breakdown of the reflectionless property when there is a broadband distribution of initial particle momentum, involving both positive and negative components.
The one-dimensional potential well V(x)=−(ℏ2ν(ν+1)∕2ma2)sech2(x∕a) does not reflect waves of any energy when ν is a positive integer. We show that in this reflectionless case the solutions of Schrödinger’s equation can be expressed in terms of elementary functions. Wave packets can be constructed from these energy eigenstates, and the propagation of such wave packets through the potential region can be studied analytically. We find that the group velocity of a particular packet can substantially exceed the group velocity of a free-space Gaussian packet. The bound states of the potential can also be expressed in terms of elementary functions when ν is an integer. The special properties of the integer ν potentials are associated with critical binding.
A nonreflecting wavepacket is constructed by the superposition of reflectionless eigenstates of sech2 potential. Free propagation and propagation in the presence of the above potential of such a wavepacket is considered using the concept of arrival time. Comparison is made with the free evolving Gaussian wavepacket. Mean arrival time at a detector behind the well is given as a function of mass for separate cases. A selection of Bohmian trajectories in the interacting case are computed and compared to the trajectories of a free particle guided by a Gaussian packet.
In this paper we extend our previous analysis of the scattering of wave packets in one dimension to the case of the square-well potential. The analytic properties of the general scattering solution are emphasized thereby making the analysis useful as introductory material for a more sophisticated S-matrix treatment. The square-well model is particularly interesting because of its application to the deuteron problem. Resonance scattering, barrier penetration, time delay, and line shape are discussed at the level of the first-year graduate student.