Document Type

Course

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Physics 3710 – Introductory Modern Physics

Publication Date

8-28-2017

First Page

1

Last Page

5

Abstract

The 3D infinite square well: quantum dots, wells, and wires

In the preceding discussion of the Schrödinger Equation the particle of interest was assumed to be “moving in the x -direction.” Of course, it is not possible for a particle to be moving in one spatial direction only. If that were true, according to the HUP it could be anywhere in the y - and z -directions and therefore be undetectable with finite volume detectors. Now, we consider the more realistic case of motion in all three spatial directions. For this purpose, we start with the 3D infinite square well. This model provides a useful conceptual framework for understanding a burgeoning “nano-industry,” namely the production and use of “quantum dots.” The 3D infinite square well is a “rigid rectangular solid box.” The potential energy of a particle trapped inside is given by U(x,y,z) = 0 , if 0 < x < L1, 0 < y < L2, 0 < z < L3, and ∞, otherwise. The particle’s momentum now has three components and its kinetic energy is K = (px2 + py2 + pz2) /2m.

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