Modelling an emergent quantum-well pair potential in SrTiO₃

Tunneling is a well-understood quantum mechanical phenomenon in which a wavefunction may propagate through a potential barrier into a classically forbidden region. Here, we introduce two square potential wells of varying depths and widths in a SrTiO₃ slab and simulate the tunneling of the 3d t_2g conduction sub-bands between a deep, wide "reservoir" well and a thin, shallow well (a conducting channel) and we find that the interaction between the two quantum wells draws qualitative analogues to diatomic systems. This study may allow for the characterization of quantum wells as quasi-particles and the further exploration of resulting interactions.