Improving a Quantum Tunneling lab for first year students

Abstract

When studying entry-level quantum mechanics, the quantum tunneling (QT) phenomenon is a difficult concept to grasp. It is as important for your understanding of quantum mechanics as it is completely counter-intuitive, making it a threshold concept. This report discusses how to use labs as a method to teach QT and which aspects to consider. These aspects are different styles of setting up a lab, whether
the lab should be a practical or a computer lab, what possibilities there are for Cooperative Learning as well as how to assess the lab. The discussion is based on a lab already held at LTH, offering some possible suggestions for change.