Klein paradox

Meanings

1. A surprising result of applying the Dirac equation to the problem of electron scattering from a potential barrier. In non-relativistic quantum mechanics, electron tunnelling into a barrier is observed, with exponential damping. However, if the potential is of the order of the electron mass, V∼mc², the barrier is nearly transparent; moreover, as the potential approaches infinity, the reflection diminishes and the electron is always transmitted.

Etymology

Discovered by physicist Oskar Klein in 1929.