The Kronig-Penney Model

​
height of potential barriers (eV)
6
distance between potential barriers (Angstroms)
2.5
width of potential barriers (Angstroms)
2.5
wavevector k L
start energy (eV)
8.3
maximum energy (eV)
30.8
The Kronig–Penney model is a simple, idealized quantum-mechanical system that consists of an infinite periodic array of square potential barriers. It is often used as a pedagogical model to illustrate how periodic potentials can lead to the formation of electronic energy bands and band gaps. Thanks to the simplicity of the model, it is possible to solve for the band structure exactly, and this solution is shown in this Demonstration.

Details

The theory behind the Kronig-Penney model can be found in C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2004.

External Links

Quantum Mechanics (ScienceWorld)

Permanent Citation

Michael Croucher
​
​"The Kronig-Penney Model"​
​http://demonstrations.wolfram.com/TheKronigPenneyModel/​
​Wolfram Demonstrations Project​
​Published: September 28, 2007