Paper 1, Section II, A

Applications of Quantum Mechanics
Part II, 2018

A particle of mass mm moves in one dimension in a periodic potential V(x)V(x) satisfying V(x+a)=V(x)V(x+a)=V(x). Define the Floquet matrix FF. Show that detF=1\operatorname{det} F=1 and explain why Tr FF is real. Show that allowed bands occur for energies such that (TrF)2<4(\operatorname{Tr} F)^{2}<4. Consider the potential

V(x)=2λmn=+δ(xna)V(x)=-\frac{\hbar^{2} \lambda}{m} \sum_{n=-\infty}^{+\infty} \delta(x-n a)

For states of negative energy, construct the Floquet matrix with respect to the basis of states e±μxe^{\pm \mu x}. Derive an inequality for the values of μ\mu in an allowed energy band.

For states of positive energy, construct the Floquet matrix with respect to the basis of states e±ikxe^{\pm i k x}. Derive an inequality for the values of kk in an allowed energy band.

Show that the state with zero energy lies in a forbidden region for λa>2\lambda a>2.