Quantum Reflection at a Barrier

A Gaussian wave packet encounters a potential barrier. Quantum mechanics predicts simultaneous transmission and reflection — even when the particle has enough energy to classically pass through.

Reflection:
Transmission:
Time: 0
Barrier Height V₀ 0.80
Barrier Width 20
Packet Energy E 1.00

The wave function |ψ|² (cyan) evolves via the time-dependent Schrödinger equation using split-operator method. The green line shows the potential V(x). Blue = real part, orange = imaginary part.