[Physics] Do two 1D Rectangular Potential Barriers have Bound States

homework-and-exercisespotentialquantum mechanicsquantum-tunnelingschroedinger equation

This question had me thinking about the related 1D problem of two rectangular potential barriers:

Two rectangular potential barriers.

The potential is zero everywhere but for the two barriers, where it is $V_0$.

As ever I am interested in possible bound states for particles with energy $E<V_0$.

The problem is reminiscent of this model of $\alpha$ decay of $\text{Po-212}$.

Also, if $|b| \to \infty$ then the problem becomes that of the finite potential well where bound states are possible. This suggests that for large $|b|$ bound states may be found.

And for a particle with $E<V_0$ incoming from the left one can see how it would first be part reflected/part transmitted at $x=-b$, then its amplitude reduced between $-b<x<-a$ and then it would undergo symmetric treatment at the right hand potential barrier. This of course would suggest no bound states.

Does anyone know the definitive answer?

Best Answer

THere are no bound states. You've pretty much answered your own question.

Imagine what the lowest energy bound state would look like: an upside-down bell-shaped curve. This will match to exponentials in the forbidden region. But exponentials never go to zero. At $b$ the exponentials have to mate to something: they will mate to sinusoids extending to infinity.