Quantum mechanics with coordinate-dependent mass

Abstract

We study a motion of quantum particles, whose properties depend on one coordinate so that they can move freely in the perpendicular direction. A rotationally-symmetric Hamiltonian is derived and applied to study a general interface formed between two semiconductors. We predict a new type of electron states, localized at the interface. They appear whenever the two bulk dispersions intersect. These shallow states lie near the point of intersection and are restricted to a finite range of perpendicular momentum. The scattering of carriers by the interface is discussed.