We describe the details involved in presenting the time development of one-dimensional quantum-mechanical systems in the form of computer-generated motion pictures intended for pedagogic purposes. Concentrating on reflection-transmission phenomena, we formulate the problem in terms of a Gaussian wave packet impinging on a square well or barrier and being reflected and transmitted. The wave equation is solved numerically by methods discussed in detail and photographs of the wave packet vs position at a variety of times and for a range of projectile energies are given.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.