Eigensolution of the wave function in a potential field.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the eigenfunction of a wave function in a potential field defined by an infinite potential on the left and a delta potential at x=a. The solution involves two segments of the wave function, with the amplitude set to one for simplification, representing an incoming wave from the right. The phase angle in the second segment arises from boundary conditions, which dictate the behavior of the wave function at the potential discontinuity. The term "excitation mode" is not formally used in this context; the focus is on understanding amplitude ratios and the implications of the delta potential. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the mathematical treatment of wave functions in quantum mechanics under specific potential conditions.
Yourong Zang
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1. Homework Statement
Consider a potential field
$$V(r)=\begin{cases}\infty, &x\in(-\infty,0]\\\frac{\hslash^2}{m}\Omega\delta(x-a), &x\in(0,\infty)\end{cases}$$
The eigenfunction of the wave function in this field suffices
$$-\frac{\hslash^2}{2m}\frac{d^2\psi}{dx^2}+\frac{\hslash^2}{m}\Omega\delta(x-a)\psi=E\psi$$
A textbook gives the following solution:
$$\psi(x)=\begin{cases}Asin(kx), &x\in(0,a)\\ sin(kx+\phi), &x\in(a,\infty)\end{cases}$$
where
$$k^2=\frac{2mE}{\hslash^2}$$
2. Homework Equations
I can clearly understand the first part but in the second part, why does the amplitude of the function equal to 1 and why is there a phase angle?


And is this wave
$$\psi(x)=\sin(kx+\phi)$$
called something like the "excitation mode"?


3. The Attempt at a Solution
A solution about delta potential is not what I want. There is an infinite potential on the left+a delta potential.
 
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Yourong Zang said:
A solution about delta potential is not what I want
It can still help you understand why the amplitudes are different for this scattering problem
 
The amplitude is set to one to describe an incoming wave from the right (*). Can't be normalized, so it's a mathematical simplification to study solutions of the SE

(*) plus the reflected wave: because of the step everything has to go back again
 
BvU said:
The amplitude is set to one to descibe an incoming wave from the right. Can't be normalized, so it's a mathematical simplification to study solutions of the SE
So I guess what I need is only the ratio of these two amplitudes (A in this case)?
 
Right ! Follows from boundary conditions (as in the link in the other thread)

I suppose the ##\phi## is on the right because at 0 you can only have a sine factor
 
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BvU said:
Right ! Follows from boundary conditions (as in the link in the other thread)

I suppose the ##\phi## is on the right because at 0 you can only have a sine factor
Great, thank u.
 
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