Dirac delta function scattering

A Dirac delta function δ(x) barrier can be thought of as an infinitely high infinitesimally narrow spike at the origin. Although a classical particle cannot pass through such a barrier, quantum mechanics predicts a non-zero transmission probability. This simulation shows a quantum mechanical wave function Ψ(x,t) with energy eigenvalue E tunneling through a delta function barrier.

Reference:

Griffiths Quantum Mechanics p76.

Note:

This simulation was created using the Easy Java Simulations (Ejs) modeling tool. You can modify this simulation if you have Ejs installed by right-clicking within a plot and selecting "Open Ejs Model" from the pop-up menu item. Information about Ejs is available at: < http://www.um.es/fem/Ejs/ >