Quantum Reflection from an Evanescent Potential

Wavepacket scattering from an exponentially decaying potential well near a surface
0.65
Reflectance R
0.35
Transmittance T

Quantum Reflection

A particle approaching an attractive potential can be partially reflected — not by a barrier, but because the wavefunction cannot adapt fast enough to the rapidly varying potential (breakdown of the WKB approximation).

V(x) = −V₀ · exp(−x/a) (x > 0)
QR is strong when: |∂_x k(x)| / k(x)² ≫ 1

This occurs when the de Broglie wavelength changes significantly within one wavelength — i.e., at very low energies near evanescent potentials.

Observed experimentally: ultra-cold atoms reflecting from van der Waals surfaces (He* from glass), anti-hydrogen experiments at CERN.