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American Journal of Physics

Quantum solutions for a symmetric double square well

Edward A. Johnson, H. T. Williams

Published Mar 1, 1982• 7 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The quantum behavior of a wave packet in a one-dimensional infinite square well with a finite barrier in the center is considered. Computer generated plots are presented that lead to useful analytic approximations for finding eigenvalues of the Schrödinger equation and for explaining the time dependence of wave packets.
DOI
10.1119/1.13046

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We have investigated quantum revivals of wave packets in a one-dimensional infinite square well potential containing a $\ensuremath{\delta}$ well in the middle. The time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation for this composite potential admits formally exact solutions. We present analytical results for revival properties in three physically motivated approximations: wave packets containing eigenstates with large numbers in the presence of an arbitrary $\ensuremath{\delta}$ well, ``shallow'' and ``deep'' $\ensuremath{\delta}$ wells. Analytical results in the case of a ``shallow'' $\ensuremath{\delta}$ well have been tested numerically.
The reflection of wave packets from a quantum well bounded by rectangular potential barriers, and which has a tunneling transmission resonance, is discussed. Numeric solutions to Schrödinger’s time-dependent equation show that the shape of the probability function ψψ* for a reflected wave packet can be quite different from that of the incident packet. Either a symmetric double hump or an asymmetric shape are possible for the reflected ψψ*, depending on the sharpness of the resonance. These shapes are explained analytically in terms of the reflection coefficient.
We present quasianalytical and numerical calculations of Gaussian wave packet solutions of the Schrödinger equation for two-dimensional infinite well and quantum billiard problems with equilateral triangle, square, and circular footprints. These cases correspond to N=3, N=4, and N→∞ regular polygonal billiards and infinite wells, respectively. In each case the energy eigenvalues and wave functions are given in terms of familiar special functions. For the first two systems, we obtain closed form expressions for the expansion coefficients for localized Gaussian wave packets in terms of the eigenstates of the particular geometry. For the circular case, we discuss numerical approaches. We use these results to discuss the short-time, quasiclassical evolution in these geometries and the structure of wave packet revivals. We also show how related half-well problems can be easily solved in each of the three cases.
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